The Cité du Vitrail will open its doors in September 2021
We now know the official opening date of the Cité du Vitrail in Troyes (France): September 11, 2021! Until then, GSM Project is actively working with the Cité du Vitrail team to finalize the design of the spaces and the visitor experience within the former Hôtel-Dieu-Le-Comte, a completely historical restored building which will be dedicated to the enhancement of the art of stained glass.
A journey of discovery
When it opens in September 2021, the exhibition spaces of the Cité du Vitrail will offer three levels of immersion into the world of stained glass. With interpretative elements and an accessible educational approach, the cultural program will aim to shake the dust off the general public’s perspective of this little-known art. With its unique study and resource centre, the Cité du Vitrail will also be a place of analysis and research. Finally, over time, it will also aim to become a resource and network for other sites, monuments, and workshops that are working to conserve stained glass windows at the local, regional, and national level.
Awe-inspiring design
Highlighting the beauty of the stained-glass windows in the collection is at the heart of the Cité's intentions. The scenography will be sober and light, perfectly integrated into the heritage building and leaving plenty of room for objects, light, and colour: triggering the emotions and sense of aesthetics in visitors is the priority! Maps and a “Stained Glass Route” will invite the public to continue exploring the glass heritage of buildings in the department of Aube, considered an integral part of the City's collection.
Exterior of the future Cité du Vitrail
GSM Project's team on site (last Winter)
A highly sensory experience
Given that stained glass is sometimes thought of as inaccessible, the aim of the exhibit is also to arouse curiosity and broaden visitors’ understanding of this mysterious art. La Cité du Vitrail then intends to make this art of light accessible to all by offering an interpretation that appeals to the senses and by offering many interactive devices scattered throughout the galleries of the exhibition. The narrative approach aims to reach a diverse audience by demonstrating that the art of stained glass is still very much alive today.
A multidisciplinary team
Following a public tender launched in 2019 by the department of Aube, GSM Project was appointed in January 2020 to design the scenography for the future Cité du Vitrail. GSM Project has partnered with companies: 8'18”, Volume Agence - Exhibit Groups, le 7ème Sens, Big Bang Event, and Art and Culture Translated.
