L’Atrium offers a journey from the depths of the oceans to the Norman coast. An interactive exploration to better understand the mysteries of the underwater world and the maritime activities of the region.
It’s a great idea for a summer vacation outing. This educational and fun exhibition, created by Science Action Normandie, is called Ocean and is designed for both adults and children. From the very first steps, visitors are immersed in an underwater world, surrounded by evolving marine species.
A Model of the Nautile
A model of the Nautile simulates a descent into the deep sea. Through the portholes, the public can admire an unexpected fauna thanks to real and synthetic images. There is a focus on plankton, a source of food and oxygen, without which marine mammals and humans could not survive. This ecological message is highlighted by a large 360-degree immersive projection. Extreme environments are also showcased, including the icy waters of the Southern Ocean. Long considered hostile, these waters are home to organisms that have adapted to darkness, freezing temperatures, and scarcity of food. The exhibition presents these with massive projections.
In the Shoes of a Skipper
Without the ocean, Normandy wouldn’t be what it is economically. A whole maritime activity has developed around the region’s 640 kilometers of coastline. The Ocean exhibition also offers insights into this. Visitors learn that many boats for fishing, leisure, and the transport of goods and people are built in Normandy. They are invited to experience life as a skipper of the Figaro III boat using a virtual reality headset.
The exhibition also highlights the numerous ports in Normandy, more than thirty in total. A family-friendly game invites visitors to learn how to load containers. The maritime industry in Normandy employs over 60,000 people. The visit ends on a reconstructed beach with deckchairs for resting or practicing tying nautical knots.
