Musée de Préhistoire, Verdon
Located in the mediaeval village of Quinson, the Musée de Préhistoire responds to its context by combining modern construction techniques with local materials. ‘Folded’ into the landscape, the building’s lenticular plan is defined by a long drystone retaining wall that guides visitors into a cool, double-height foyer – reminiscent of the caves that the museum celebrates.
The building is multi-functional, including areas for academic study alongside a reference library and research laboratories. On the ground level, accessed from the foyer, a childrens teaching area reinforces the buildings social and educational programme, while its auditorium, capable of seating 100 people for lectures, can be used independently for village events. From the foyer, a curved ramp leads up to the first floor to begin the circular route around the museum display. Ambient light levels within the galleries are kept to a minimum and light is focused on the objects rather than the space. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a reconstruction of one of the caves in the Gorges du Verdon, which are inaccessible to the public. This is supplemented by dioramas showing hunting, fishing and other scenes from Stone Age life.
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