Horse Museum
Date :
2013
Place :Saumur, France
Project :Jean Marc Schivo & Lucilla Revelli
Lighting project :iGuzzini
The National Horse Museum – ENE Cadre Noir – Saumur
The history of the relationship between man and horses dates back to about 25,000 years ago.
Encompassing so much time and lived relations in a museum, is the real challenge when conceiving a site that tells you about this old-time and present alliance.
Multimedia instruments will be the common denominator of the various functions and will help to understand the emotions of a jockey during a race, or a rider on a jumping course through animated images, from different viewpoints and a complete interactivity and personalization of the visual itineraries by the users/audience.
The proposal for the “Musée National du Cheval” includes a space for historical collections, international events and a study center dedicated to training and research.
The concept
The museum complex, whose shape, dynamic and futuristic made of steel, is born from the imprint of the horse, from the dynamism imprinted in the ground before a jump, fits into one of the areas within the perimeter of the ENE, French National Riding School, in Saumur.
Two forms come into contrast: one that grows from the ground up for reception, and another for the exhibitions that is suspended from the ground for the sake of lightness.
Sunshine and energy
The complex was designed to optimize the performance of its photovoltaic roof which helps to give identity to the project.
The centerpiece of the museum is represented by the central arena where the performances of the “Cadre Noir” are held, a space capable of hosting events of great prestige and choreographic complexity. A new covered arena for training and other events will be connected to this space.
The two large structures host temporary exhibitions, study centre, auditorium, services and the wall of rock engravings which introduces the sectors dedicated to the evolution of species, the French horse and Olympic sports.
The exhibition system
The museum is designed as an immersive and versatile space, adaptable over time. The sections depict the importance of the horse in different periods, emphasizing its contribution to work, war, art, cinema, fashion, advertising, and the role of the horse in the new eco-sustainable society.
