On September 19, the first digital museum in Surgères, the Micro-folie, opened. A project supported by the Ministry of Culture and designed by La Villette, this new space offers free access to hundreds of works and collections. The town of Surgères has equipped its space with around fifteen tablets and two virtual reality headsets.
This place, inaugurated on November 2 at the Residence of the manager of Surgères, is run by the mediator François Barbanchon, a passionate man to whom he is keen to pass on his knowledge of art.
But by what means does he go about it? There are different possible approaches to the work of Micro-Folie mediator. And to understand it well, our team tested it for you.
First of all, we were treated to a short conference of around thirty minutes on a subject chosen in advance; namely in our specific case, impressionism. But unlike a classic and well-rehearsed speech, François leads us to understand the ins and outs of this artistic movement: how was it born, why did it persist and how is it still perceived today? A complete presentation, accompanied by images of the different works on a large screen that can be enlarged and compared one next to the other (one of the advantages of digital technology) that François carries out brilliantly.
Then comes the so-called “free” part, in other words navigation on tablets. Here, François shows us a whole series of works of art (around a hundred) on the giant screen, which we can choose to “like” on our tablets. Following this, each selected work can then be the subject of more in-depth research: information on the work, the artist, as well as other works that can be associated with it... More or less difficult mini-games have also been planned to make the experience more interactive: puzzles, coloring, etc.
Finally, we were able to try the virtual reality headsets. Among a choice of videos of 5 to 10 minutes, I personally opted for the rise of the meteorological hot air balloon. Comfortably seated in our seat that can rotate 360°, the experience is gripping. After a few explanations about the balloon that we are going to take to reach the skies, here we are on an air strip, ready to leave. Suddenly, the distance begins to widen between the eyes and the ground: takeoff has begun!
Seeing the Earth move away before our eyes is an experience that few people have been able to witness, and yet here we are. We witness the different stages of the climb, until arrival in the stratosphere. Then suddenly, the enchantment ends. Because if you view this magnificent rise in the heavens, you also experience the bitter experience of the descent! There is no escape, you can look in any direction, it is the inevitable fall that will end this experiment. Needless to say, it was difficult to return to dry land after taking off your helmet...
All these experiences make the Micro-Folie an essential place for culture lovers in Surgères and its surroundings. Alone or in a group, François will undoubtedly satisfy your thirst for culture... And adventure, if you feel like it!
