After a decade in the making, the Fécamp Fishing Museum has finally opened its doors, promising visitors a unique journey through the maritime and cultural heartbeat of this historic port town. Nestled on the scenic Grand Quai peninsula, this newly minted museum is poised to become a vibrant beacon for cultural enthusiasts and tourists alike.
A New Chapter in a Historic Building
The museum breathes new life into a building that once served as a pivotal hub for cod-drying—a cornerstone of Fécamp’s economic history. This transformation preserves the essence of its industrial past while infusing it with modern museological flair. The project, skillfully brought to life by Basalt-Architecture and Die Werft, harmonizes heritage and innovation, providing visitors with an inspiring and educational experience.
A Comprehensive Experience Spread Across 7 Levels
Spanning 4700 square meters and seven floors, the museum consolidates an impressive collection that was once scattered across multiple sites. Visitors can expect to find:
- Expansive, thoughtfully curated exhibition halls that invite exploration.
- A cozy bookstore-shop that’s perfect for picking up souvenirs and further reading.
- Dedicated space for dynamic temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
- A well-stocked documentation center catering to researchers and curious minds alike.
- A modern 100-seat auditorium suitable for lectures, presentations, and film screenings.
- An architecturally impressive reception hall that offers a warm welcome.
Take in the Views and Dive into History
Perhaps one of the museum’s most striking features is its glass-walled viewpoint on the 6th and 7th floors. Visitors can ascend via a panoramic elevator to enjoy unobstructed, 360-degree vistas of the city and the renowned Alabaster Coast. This stunning viewpoint provides a perfect starting point for a visit, offering both literal and figurative perspectives that set the stage for the journey through the museum.
Diverse Exhibits Reflecting Fécamp’s Spirit
The museum’s exhibitions are organized into five engaging sections, each offering a window into different aspects of Fécamp’s rich tapestry:
- Historical Gallery of Fécamp: Chronicles the town’s evolution from its ducal beginnings to its wartime resilience, covering crucial periods like the Atlantic Wall era.
- Fishing Port: Showcases the lifeblood of Fécamp, highlighting marine paintings, intricate model trawlers, and a real dory used in the historic Newfoundland cod fisheries.
- Fine Arts: Houses an exquisite collection of 19th-century paintings conceived en plein air, capturing the essence of local seaside resort culture at its peak.
- Museum of Childhood: Features an intriguing display of baby bottles, donated by a pioneering pediatrician, alongside whimsical relics of youth.
- Cauchois Life: Offers a glimpse into regional ethnography with displays of traditional armoires, jewelry, ex-votos, and costumes.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
The development journey of the museum wasn’t without its hurdles. Significant technical challenges delayed the grand opening, but collaborative funding from regional and state bodies ensured its successful completion. With its doors now open, the museum’s inaugural phase is brimming with cultural events, extending well into the first half of 2018.
Don’t Miss the First Temporary Exhibition
From January 21 to April 29, the museum proudly hosts its first temporary exhibition: “Workers of the Horizon: François Kollar and the Sea.” This exhibition shines a light on the renowned photographer’s work, artfully capturing the intersection of human labor and the maritime world.
| Funding Contributors | Role |
|---|---|
| Normandy Region | Co-financing |
| State (DRAC) | Government Support |
| City of Fécamp | Local Funding |
| Seine-Maritime Department | Regional Support |
| Normandy Public Land Establishment | Infrastructure Assistance |
| European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) | EU Financial Backing |
The Fécamp Fishing Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it’s an engaging narrative of human resilience, creativity, and the ever-evolving relationship with the sea. Offering an array of permanent exhibits and rotating features, it stands as an indispensable visit for anyone interested in maritime history and cultural heritage.
