ROUEN.- People everywhere in the world associate this region with Joan of Arc. The city of Rouen where she was tried and burned at the stake also hosted the subsequent trial that that posthumously exonerated her. This is why the CREA wished to create a major cultural facility in keeping with the greatness of this extraordinary personage who has become the legendary symbol of this region. In Rouen, the memory of Joan of Arc lingers in the patrimony and landscape – the old Market Place, the Keep where she was threatened with torture and the archiepiscopal complex where some of the hearings of her trial were held. It is this latter site made available by the Archdiocese and services of the state that will house the History Museum, whose inauguration is planned for March 21, 2015. This ambitious project will enable Rouen to further enhance the attractiveness of the region in terms of culture and tourism.

Archdiocese to house the history museum
The Joan of Arc History Museum (Historial Jeanne d’Arc) will be located in the magnificent premises of the Archdiocese. This site is one of great architectural and historical importance, containing vestiges of the salle de Officialité, hall of the canonical court where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death in 1431 and where the second trial, held in 1456, nullified the decision of the first. This complex is a powerful example of medieval architecture with two crypts, state rooms and a 15th century tower, and thus will provide the ideal context for telling Joan of Arc’s story. The History Museum will have a surface area of 950 m2 (1360 m2 including the Hall of State and the Aubigné Chapel; available for temporary exhibitions), distributed over five levels ranging from the Romanesque and Gothic crypts located below the Aubigné Chapel right up to the Great Attic, above the Hall of State of the Hôtel d’Estouteville. It is hoped that archaeological digs will enable the reconstitution of the salle de l’Officialité. In order to avoid delaying the planned opening, these digs will be organized to allow for visits and will become a place for teaching and discovery designed for the benefit and enjoyment of the wider public.

A reflection on a destiny, on the myth and on its history
The dual objective of tracing the history of Joan of Arc and the history of this history is the highly original aspect of the History Museum. Thus, it will fulfil a dual historical and civic need. From the voices in Domrémy that informed her of her mission to the interview at Chinon, from the siege of Orléans to the coronation of Charles VII in Rheims, from her capture under the walls of Compiègne to her trial and execution in Rouen, a historical original exhibition will bring Joan’s saga to life for visitors. The most up-to-date digital technologies (3D characters, films, digital maps etc.) will be utilized for their power to evoke and immerse visitors in Joan’s life as it will be staged through a series of scenes. The highest scientific standards will be associated with this powerful recreation to provide an experience that is easy to grasp yet richly documented.

During her lifetime, Joan of Arc was a highly controversial figure at her trial, achieving the status of a living legend. Arguments involving the interpretation of her story from 1429 to now, the elaboration of myths and the many attempts to co-opt her will be dealt with in-depth. The dedicated multi-media space, a genuine “library of myths”, the History Museum will seek to shed light on these historiographical and political controversies as visitors follow the path through the representations and myths that grew up around Joan of Arc, and the works of art she inspired. The story of Joan, in France and around the world will also be covered. Indeed, Joan belongs to everyone and to no one. The exhibition will include a series of 18 spaces and the History Museum will have the capacity to welcome up to six groups of 20 to 30 people per hour. Visits will be commented in French, with translated versions available in audio-guide format for foreign visitors. A visit designed specifically for children will also be created and the site will be accessible to the handicapped.

Project strengths enhancing the attractiveness of the region The History Museum project includes a number of strong points that will ensure its success:

• An exceptional site where visitors will walk in Joan of Arc’s footsteps in the heart of the town centre (access will be via rue Saint-Romain, which runs alongside the Cathedral), along the historic axis running from Old Market Place to l’Aitre Saint-Maclou

• A project of the highest quality in museum and exhibition design

• A subject of interest both nationally and internationally: one of the most striking figures in the history of France, Joan of Arc is to this day an object of interest, one extending well beyond our country’s borders. She is a universal figure, who continues to inspire artists and whose story still enthrals people from round the world (feminist icon in the United States, figure of the warrioress in in Japan, the embodiment of militant and conquering Christianity in Latin America…)

• Sites dedicated historic figures enjoy broad success (between 70,000 and 400,000 visitors per year).

These strengths allows an estimate of more than 150,000 visitors per year.

The creation of the Joan of Arc History Museum, decision made on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Joan’s birth, will enhance the attractiveness of the CREA by enriching the cultural and tourism offerings of our region, of which it will doubtless become a key element. It will be designed to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors in France and from round the globe who wish to learn more about the amazing life of Joan of Arc.