L'Espace Alu travel guide

Now internationally recognised, l'Espace Alu today attracts both amateurs and experts from all over the world.

Here in the valley, the cradle of aluminium refining, bauxite has been employed since the 19th century to produce objects the colour of silver. The Espace Alu was born thanks to the commitment and perseverance of the Museum Association’s voluntary members, active since 1992. The town of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne took their idea on board and brought it to completion. They gave the project its home in a former presbytery. Occupying over 600 m² on three floors, it brings together scientific, economic, industrial, cultural and social points of view on the local and global history of aluminium manufacturing. A combination of audio accounts and commentaries, video presentations, scenography and lighting draw attention to over 900 manufacturing tools, 1 500 everyday items and 3 000 photos from bygone times to the present day. The circular exhibition spaces provide a fabulous and instructive journey for visitors of all ages. « Tubalu », the children’s mascot, periscopes and themed « stairways » help to arouse the curiosity of the young as they make their way around. Information brochures and booklets are also available for visitors who are eager to learn more Braving the winds Easily recognisable from the valley below, l'Espace Alu is perched at a height, beside the church steeple ; its bauxite coloured walls, girded by aluminium louvers, brave the winds and beckon the visitor. The intimate relationship between hydroelectric energy and the power consuming process of aluminium refinement in the Maurienne is explained inside, in the three story interactive museum space. No need for a car, the site can be easily reached from the train station - just climb the steps that lead to the old town. The mine and more The different transformation stages of mineral to metal are illustrated by explanatory panels, hands-on experiments and interactive games. Features include the reconstruction of a bauxite mine and workers’ changing rooms, a demonstration of aluminium electrolysis and authentic, massive furnace doors. There are also 7 themed showcases (on art and design, jewellery, household items…) and 5 chronological displays, including for instance the fascinating story of how, during World War 1, French soldiers used metal salvaged from the bombings to make rings for their loved ones. Visit at your own pace An average of 2 ½ hours are necessary to grasp the essential information in l’Espace Alu, but, given the detailed historical and technical resources on hand, you can easily spend double that time in the fascinating world of aluminium.Open daily in July and August, 10 a.m.-12.30 p.m., 2 p.m.-6.30 p.m. Entrance fees : adults 5 €, 7-18 years 3 €www.espacealu.fr

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