The guts of Paris are being reinvented. After five months of closure for renovations, the Catacombs of Paris are reopening with a totally revamped experience. Among the exciting new features: a next-generation audio headset that offers an unprecedented sound immersion. Placed on your temples, it delivers a surround sound that doesn't block ambient noises, allowing you to feel the unique atmosphere of the galleries, filled with mineral echoes and drops of water.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
It's worth noting that the sound journey is based in part on the voice of Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, a key figure in the development of quarries in the 19th century. A narration that guides visitors throughout the descent and shapes this experience designed to stay true to the spirit of the place.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A Reimagined Staging
On the 1.5 km open to the public, the visit is also enriched with a new narrative thread. The sound design, offered in several languages, mixes performances by actors and historical stories to trace the different lives of the catacombs, from quarries to the ossuary. It’s the perfect combo for a complete immersion.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The lighting has also been revamped to better reveal certain architectural details and the alignments of bones. More precise and nuanced, it highlights elements that were previously less visible. There are also spotlight projections that complement the setup, replacing some educational supports, with a focus on simplicity.
A significant project for a delicate place
This transformation is part of a bigger renovation program, aimed at preserving this fragile site that is over two centuries old. Safety, air quality, humidity control, and upgrading technical facilities have been the main focus of the work.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Led by Paris Musées, the project also aims to broaden access to visits. Audio descriptions, tactile models and sign language devices will now be offered, even though the structural constraints of the galleries still prevent welcoming individuals with reduced mobility.
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Anyway, this set clearly expresses a desire: to renew the visitor experience while preserving the unique identity of the Catacombs of Paris. So... was it a successful challenge? You’ll have to go down the 130 steps to find out.