Lascaux IV

On the 3rd December 2016, I was invited to the preview tour of the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal Lascaux IV located in Montignac. At first, the huge glass panel building impressed me. When I walk through the doors, I discover a large welcome area; the countdown clock on the wall indicating the official opening reminded me of the importance of this new global scale site.

Once I got my ticket, I obtained my “touring partner”, an interactive tablet that followed me all along the discovery of the art and the people of Lascaux. I really like this name of "touring partner", this gives me the feeling of going beyond the interactivity and to have a real guide with me. I scanned my ticket with the tablet and off I went!

My tour began at the panoramic terrace which is accessible by a glass elevator, the time machine does exist! My tablet indicated the different prehistoric sites that can be visited in the surroundings. The view on Montignac is very pleasant!! The following room is a  rojection room allowing the visitor to see of the modification of the landscape of Lascaux through the ages, from the ice age to the discovery: fantastic! I then walked in the central alleys, I can hear in the surrounding vegetation some barking and some words. It is the  econstitution of the discovery of the cave by four inhabitants of Montignac.

It is now time to discover the cave. Photos are not permitted in this part of Lascaux IV, the aim of the cave is to be immersed completely in this great painted canvas of several kilometres. My eyes first faced darkness; I could perceive some shapes here and there. I got use to the subdued light: horses, bulls, shapes and symbols surrounded me. I was at the heart of an amazing composition; I had the impression to be really tiny compare the sheer size of these pictures. I strolled in the Axial Gallery, my head turned at 360 degrees: looking right and left, looking down, looking up, I did not want to miss any details.

Back to the daylight I headed towards the Lascaux IV workshop made up of different facsimiles of the cave and interactive experiences to better understand the techniques of the parietal art. It is a delight! A fun and educational playground that is ideal for all ages. I really liked testing the techniques used by these people to realise their paintings: I choose my tool and my colour to become a budding artist! My “touring partner” is still around my neck and helps me to understand all the subtleties of the Lascaux paintings! This room, and the following, are self-guided. I could come and go as I wish to discover and rediscover these different spaces.

I then headed towards the theater which is divided in 3 rooms corresponding to the three major acts of the evolution of the prehistoric science: it is splendid, I am captivated by the decor, the sound and the pictures. I then went to the cinema with a pair of 3D glasses and settled comfortably in the chairs. The atmosphere was very futurist, I saw pictures of other decorated caves and all the questions around the parietal art. The voice over plunged me completely in this universe still full of mystery. I felt directly connected to all the questions raised, I had this natural to desire to answer them. I felt the dimension of Lascaux! This projection is not only visual; it shares a certain emotion which affected me personally! Despite all the years separating us, I felt close to the Lascaux man! The last room that I discovered was the imaginary one: Iwas surrounded by screens full of pictures and I was able to create my own compositions. I can then forward my masterpiece on the screen to see it! Lascaux IV allows me to have a child’s soul while learning about Prehistory!

If I had to describe the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal on only one word, this would be: WOW! The running of the visit, the staging and all the interactive features deliver a  agical, fun, educational and fascinating discovery!!! As soon as I arrived I was immersed in this special Lascaux atmosphere! I can recommend this day out to all the families, couples, friends and holidaymakers or just passing over by Montignac. The staff is welcoming and very available, I discovered a convivial and family atmosphere!

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