Carreau Wendel Mining Museum in Petite-Rosselle

Region

Thema

pictures

description

brief description: 

the Carreau Wendel mining museum La Mine in Petite-Rosselle is the largest mining site in France and the only one that is still complete, which makes it one of a kind in Europe. Situated in the very heart of Europe, it constitutes a crucial pillar in the conservation and valorisation of industrial heritage, relying on the domains of culture, tourism, and economy. Its newest interactive presentation (also unique in Europe) makes the 21st century underground world of coal mining accessible to the general public. One of the most popular subjects in this context is that of energy, for carbon as an energy source has decisively shaped this region. During the heyday of mining, after World War II, approximately 5.000 miners worked in the mine. The museum was created in 1985 in order to preserve the memory of the mine and the industrial cultural heritage of the Lorraine coal-basin. The history of mining, its technical development and the life of the miners is illustrated throughout a number of original buildings and facilities. The site also boasts several winding towers from different eras as well as machine shops, some of which are still equipped with original fixtures. A comprehensive collection of machines, locomotives, heavy goods vehicles, and other mining gear can also be found. A newly built annexe houses a number of authentic reconstructions of mining galleries including several enormous ultra-modern mining machines (some of which are still functioning today) that were in use in Petite-Rosselle until the last days of mining. Visitors are certain to enjoy their experience at this most innovative museum complete with an authentic simulation of machine and mining sounds

relevant filming facts

opening times: 
Tuesdays - Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
usage: 
museum, tourism, industrial culture
condition: 
very good
interior architecture: 
some of the buildings are still furbished with original machines and equipment. The newly built annexe of the museum houses a number of authentic reconstructions of mining galleries including several ultra-modern mining machines which were in use in Petite-Rosselle until the last days of mining. Some of these enormous machines are still functioning. The huge site impressively creates the perfect illusion of being underground, even though everything is well above ground. The former changing and washrooms have been preserved in their original state, as have some of the machine shops. Other premises on site have been converted into exhibition spaces and concert halls
Background noise: 
quiet, the museum being situated amidst a large open-air ground on the outskirts of town
surroundings: 
the museum is situated on the largest mining site in France. It is surrounded by slag heaps, large undeveloped spaces, detention basins, etc.
Space restrictions: 
to be discussed
Time restrictions : 
to be discussed
Catering: 
several catering options in the town of Petite Rosselle (3 minutes from the mining museum)
premises: 
can be made available on site for make-up, wardrobe, technical equipment, etc.
Filming experience: 
different feature films and documentaries have already been shot on site

accessibility

car: 
coming from Germany on the A320 motorway going in the direction of Metz/Forbach, take the Petite-Rosselle exit (no. 42), and follow the signposts indicating La Mine, Musée du Carreau Wendel coming from Paris/Metz on the A320 motorway gong in the direction of Saarbrücken/Forbach, take the Petite-Rosselle exit (no. 42), and follow the signposts indicating La Mine, Musée du Carreau Wendel
train: 
the closest train station is Forbach (regular bus service between the railway station and the museum)

supply

sanitary facilities: 
available
parking lot: 
available
electricity supply: 
available
water supply: 
available

contact

Marie-Alix Fourquenay