MuséoParc Alésia: France Opens History Park in Burgundy

As a first step of the park project “MuséoParc Alésia”, an interpretation centre focusing on the battle between Vercingetorix the Gaul and Caesar 2063 years ago will be opened in Alise-Sainte-Reine, Burgundy / France at the end of this June. Later on, the interpretation centre is planned to be supplemented by the launch of an archaeological museum and discovery trails on the extensive grounds. The planning and design for Alésia including the two buildings (interpretation center and museum) is done by architect Bernard Tschumi who designed Parc de la Villette in Paris built in 1986. 53 B.C. the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar planned to retreat from the Gauls when he was attacked by Vercingetorix and his troops. Nevertheless he succeeded in enforcing the withdrawal of the Gallic leader into the Oppidum Alésia – a fortress today known as the commune Alise-Sainte-Reine, 60 km from Dijon. The siege of Alésia is represented in the new interpretation centre including nine main topics with the help of audio guides, multimedia installations, interactive maps and frescos. (eap)