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Discover this reference space for the history of internment and migration flows, recreating the conflicts of the 20th century.
The Memorial is a reference point for the history of internment and migratory flows, recounting the conflicts of the 20th century that brought more than 60,000 people considered undesirable to this place. Both in terms of its duration and the number of people interned, imprisoned or relegated, it is now considered one of the largest camps in Western Europe. Between the ruins of the former camp's barracks, architect Rudy Ricciotti designed a long ochre concrete monolith partially buried in the earth (Grand Prix spécial du jury de l'Équerre d'argent in 2016). The permanent exhibition retraces the history of this camp in southern France, a witness to the events of the second half of the 20th century, which led to vast forced population movements and the creation of over 200 internment camps in France. A central table displays documents and objects recounting the internment of Spanish republicans, Jews, gypsies, collaborators and prisoners of war, followed by harkis, Guinean, Malagasy and Indochinese riflemen... Visitors can also access a collection of testimonials from former internees and a large number of archive films. The memorial invites visitors to reflect on a past that still influences our present. Cultural, artistic and scientific programs (temporary exhibitions, conferences, meetings, screenings, etc.) are offered throughout the year.
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Opening time and information on RIVESALTES CAMP MEMORIAL
Open all year round. Closed January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25. November 1 to March 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Friday. April 1 to October 31, daily from 10am to 6pm. Free admission for children under 18 (and schoolchildren, people on minimum social benefits, journalists, teachers, witnesses, donors, patrons). Adults: €9.50. Reduced rate (jobseekers, students, groups of 10 or more, heritage pass): €6.5. Access to the camp (outdoor tour) free of charge. Children welcome. Guided tour (French, English, Spanish and Catalan). Catering (snacks and local produce). Gift store. Entertainment. Bookshop. Cultural events.
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Members' reviews on RIVESALTES CAMP MEMORIAL
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Accès au mémorial très mal indiqué.
Le mémorial encore une hérésie architecturale.
Un bloc de béton enterré. Au premier coup d'œil on se pose la question sur ce gigantesque bloc de béton.
Pourquoi faire simple quand on peut faire compliqué et plus cher.
L'accès qui donne l'impression de conduire à un passage souterrain sans issue.
L'intérieur sombre avec un long couloir éclairé jusqu'à la salle d'exposition surdimensionnée.
Quel gâchis d'argent public.
Heureusement l'exposition en elle-même est bien documentée et mérite le détour.
Le gros de l'exposition permanente est composé de vidéos (côtés) et de vitrines par ordre chronologique avec des informations et objets (centre).
Prévoyez ~4h pour faire le tour complet en prenant le temps pour chaque vidéo. Il n'y avait presque personne lors de ma visite ce qui était très agréable. Je déconseillerais d'y aller s'il y a beaucoup de personnes car il y a ~6 places par vidéo et 7 vidéos à visionner.
Le bâtiment en lui même est intéressant avec une conception toute particulière que je vous laisse découvrir !