Machines of the Isle of Nantes
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The Machines of the Isle of Nantes (Les Machines de l'île de Nantes) is at the same time an "artistic project" and a "tourist project."
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[edit] The Concept
In the warehouses of the former shipyards in Nantes, the Machines of the Isle is imagined by two artists, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, creating a travel-through-time world at the crossroads of the "imaginary worlds" of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci and the industrial history of Nantes.
[edit] The Site
Since 1st July, 2007, the site is open to the public for visits in the Machine Gallery, the Workshop and of the Elephant Ride.
The Machines include :
- the Great Elephant (2007)
- the Marine Worlds (2009)
- the Heron Tree (2011)
These living architectures are installed permanently along the trail through the city and along the banks of Loire river.
[edit] The Great Elephant
This gigantic animal, 12 meters high and 8 meters wide, made from 45 tons of wood and steel, lives in the largest hangar. When the majestic elephant goes out for its walk, it is like architecture in motion coming out from a steel cathedral. The 35 passengers on board embark for a journey on the Isle of Nantes which offers a view over the banks of the Loire river.
[edit] The Marine Worlds
The machines of the marine animals, such as the Manta Ray, the Reverse-Propelling Squid, the Pirate Fish, the Crab Larva will be progressively installed on the Marine Worlds Merry-Go-Round, a giant carrousel of 27 undersea creatures.
[edit] The Heron Tree
In a few years, a steel structure of 45 meters in diameter and 28 meters in height, topped with two herons, will be standing in the heart of the city on the banks of the Loire river. Visitors will then be able to climb either onto the back or the wings of the birds for a circular flight, from branch to branch and through the hanging gardens.
- Photo Gallery: (Click to enlarge photos)
 The miniature of the Marine Worlds Merry-Go-Round |
 The branch prototype of the Heron Tree |
[edit] The Machine Gallery
This is a living exhibition where the Machines come to life in the hands of the mechinists. During the visit, they let the passengers control sea monsters, flying machines, marine animals and the European Flight Test Centre.
The entire process of the construction is on display, told through sketches, models and films. In the summer of 2008, three new Machines will be added in the Gallery.
[edit] The Workshop
The site of the creation of future Machines covers more than 3,000 m². From two terraces of 7.5 meters high, visitors can observe the builders working on the Machines in this world of wood and steel. The construction of the Marine Worlds occupies one part of the Workshop.
