Arthur Rimbaud Museum

The Arthur Rimbaud Museum is located right above the Meuse River, in a 17th century water-mill, listed historical monument. The project consists in a major renovation, brings the museum up to safety and accessibility standards, and includes a restructuration of the nearby park. It proposes a new design for the museum and redefines the permanent collection.

A “creative team” was established since the very beginning of the competition, including architects Abinal & Ropars, artist Claude Lévêque, writer Stéphane Bouquet and graphic designer Xavier Barral. Together they created a scenographic process made of sequences: light and sound installation, treasure room, promenade through the park or above the river, traditional or temporary exhibition room, belvedere… The walk through the museum combines both indoor and outdoor experiences, from the inside of the watermill to the park’s pathways.

The existing water-mill, made of dressed-stones and bricks, was built in the 17th century. Inside the building, the project consists in a steel structure core suspended above the river, a monumental steel stair, and triangular rooms covered with dark metal. Outside, two monumental doors covered with brass break through the existing façade. The whole landscape project, including stairs, paths, belvedere and access ramps are made of dark grey concrete, reminding the color of the local stone.