This very controversial building is now closing for the next two years. It is going to be morphed into a replica of the Grotte Cosquer, which is a complex of caves, now deep under water near Marseille. It was inhabited 27,000 years ago, when the sea level was much lower, and the cave-dwellers decorated the walls with paintings of 11 species of animals including penguins, mysterious signs and haunting handprints.
Villa Mediterranée was finished for the 2013 Year of Culture at a cost of 70 million euros. Its upkeep has been roughly 4.5 million a year since.
Since then, it has hosted some events but lacks a clear mission. La Provence has called the project a ‘fiasco’ and has published a fascinating article on the myths surrounding the building.
- Did it ever have a purpose?
- Is the top part really oscillating?
- Is it taking in water?
- Will it only hold 750 people?
- ….and will the Grotte Cosquer fit in there anyway?
Read on for the answers! http://www.laprovence.com/article/edition-marseille/4691716/villa-mediterranee-dix-verites-passees-au-crible.html
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