Of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey As Well As Its Cultural Programming
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Press file, 18 May 2017 The Centre des monuments nationaux presents the restoration site of the cloister of the "Merveille" of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey as well as its cultural programming An exceptional monument Although Mont-Saint-Michel and its abbey are renowned, the Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) is using all its resources to receive and satisfy the public in the best possible way, while ensuring the proper preservation of this monument. The CMN, a public institution placed under the supervision of the Minister of Culture and Communication and France's leading cultural and tourist operator, ensures the conservation, restoration and opening to the public of Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, and a hundred other monuments like the Arc de Triomphe, the Sainte-Chapelle, the ramparts of Carcassonne and so on. The first property in France to be listed as a World Heritage site in 1979, Mont-Saint- Michel and its bay, with its stunning natural surroundings and exceptional architectural heritage, exemplifies the unique universal values upheld by UNESCO. The subject of a second World Heritage listing in 1998, as a Route of Santiago de Compostela in France, Mont-Saint-Michel is still an important centre for spirituality. Visitors from all over the world come together here as the panorama, only accessible from the terrace of the west of the abbey, never leaves anyone indifferent. Press contacts: CMN: Camille Boneu – 0144612186 / 0673121963 [email protected] Leslie Fornero – 0144612142 [email protected] Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: Xavier Bailly, administrator - 0233898004 [email protected] Isabelle Le Dorner, communications officer – 0233898024 / 0647189705 [email protected] Since the complete re-establishment of its maritime character in times of high tides, the abbey, which occupies the entire top of the rock, indeed offers the best vantage points to admire the very natural landscape. Restoring the abbey cloister The Centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) is continuing its vast campaign of restoration and enhancement of the abbey and the ramparts of Mont-Saint-Michel. 2016 was marked by the conformity of the lightning rods of the abbey, with the restoration of the statue of the archangel Saint Michael, reinstalled on 26 May 2016. Since January 2017, the CMN has been undertaking the restoration of the cloister of the abbey in order to remedy the problems of waterproofing and the alterations due to the high number of visitors to this place. The work includes restoration of the waterproofing of the garden and the galleries, restoration of the cover of the latter, and the cleaning and treatment of the sculptures of the colonnades. This project lasted 11 months at a cost of 2.04 million euros. Preliminary archaeological excavations made it possible to specify the mediaeval level of the floors of the galleries. A masterpiece of Norman Gothic art of the 13th century, the cloister of Mont-Saint- Michel Abbey is built 80 metres high, at the top of a building known as the "Merveille”. It was built with a concern for lightness with a panelled structure, a double row of small columns and fine arches. The presence of a garden is attested in a written work of 1324. Over the centuries – in the Mauritian era, in the 19th century and then in the 20th century – the cloister has been modified and restored. The restoration was carried out in two sections (two galleries per section) in order to keep the cloister open during the visiting times. Through an exhibition in the courtyard preceding the cloister, the CMN intends to explain the aspects and challenges of this historic site to visitors. A child-friendly reading line has been devised: all along the display panels, they are invited to follow the Salicornia sheep, which guides them through the mysteries of an exceptional restoration site. The CMN also wants to reclassify the gardens of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, notably the emblematic garden of the cloister of the "Merveille", as well as all the gardens of the north which conclude the tour circuit, by adopting a contemporary creation. This project of establishing a garden of creation will be proposed as a consultation, the work of which will be implemented in 2018. A project supported by patronage The restoration of the cloister benefits from the patronage of the French Heritage Society – with the support of the Florence Gould Foundation –, Crédit Agricole Normandie and the Fondation du Crédit Agricole – Pays de France. The Tricots Saint James company is also associated with this major national heritage project with an exceptional and unique product-sharing operation. From 15 April to 15 October 2017, the "Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey" striped jerseys are on sale in the Saint James distribution network in France and abroad (Korea, USA and Japan), and in 3 bookshop- boutiques of the network (at Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, the Alignments of Carnac and the Towers of La Rochelle). For every striped jersey sold at the price of €45, Saint James pledges to donate €2.50 to the Centre des monuments nationaux for the cloister 2 restoration project. This exceptional and unusual product-sharing operation is part of the territorial patronage policy of the CMN, which wishes to associate its projects with companies attached to the cultural heritage of their region and concerned about its attractiveness. The restoration of the cloister also benefits from the generosity of the public, who can contribute to the building by making an online donation on www.mapierrealedifice.fr. The call for donations has already raised more than €17,000, reflecting the attachment of many people to this architectural gem. A rich cultural season Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey offers activities and events throughout the year to reveal other facets of this monument of inexhaustible wealth. A major cultural player, it is also committed to strengthening its ties with regional and national cultural institutions in order to further develop its partnerships and programming. In 2017, major events will enhance the calendar, with exceptional concerts and a large music festival, while to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Centre Pompidou, works by Germaine Richier will be displayed in the heart of the monument this summer. The distinctly multifaceted cultural season allows the largest number of visitors to discover Mont-Saint- Michel Abbey in another way, with themed visits, lecture cycles, "high tide" evenings and an evening poetic itinerary during the summer season. The complete programme can be found on page 15. 3 Contents Contents ......................................................................................................................... 4 Restoring the cloister ................................................................................................... 5 The “Merveille” cloister ............................................................................................................... 5 The works programme for the restoration of the cloister ................................................. 6 Restoration of the garden ............................................................................................................ 7 Resumption of waterproofing the floor.................................................................................... 8 Archaeological excavations .......................................................................................................... 8 The panelled frame ........................................................................................................................ 9 Restoration of the colonnades of the cloister galleries ........................................................ 9 Patronage ..................................................................................................................... 11 The patrons .................................................................................................................................. 11 Add your stone to the building ............................................................................................... 13 Rewards ........................................................................................................................................ 13 A rich cultural season ................................................................................................. 15 “40 ans du Centre Pompidou” exhibition ............................................................................. 15 Music Festival of Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay – Via Aeterna ........................................ 16 Discover Mont-Saint-Michel abbey in a different way ........................................................ 16 Concerts within the framework of “Monuments en musique” ........................................ 18 An abbey for young and old! .................................................................................................... 20 Books ............................................................................................................................ 22 Around Mont-Saint-Michel ....................................................................................................... 26 Visuals available to the press ..................................................................................... 27 Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey ........................................................................................... 29 Practical information .................................................................................................