The Carrières de Lumières: temple of immersive art and reflection of the Provençal history
Today, the Carrières de Lumières is one of the most popular attractions in les Baux-de-Provence. But before becoming a reference location for immersive art, it went though the ups and downs of the history.
From the Carrière des Grands Fonds to the Carrières de Lumières
The Carrière des Grands Fonds first opened in the XIXth century. At that time, and thanks to the industrial development, the Baux stone – a white limestone rock typical from the Baux-de-Provence – became essential to built new premises.
However, as the industry kept growing, new affordable construction materials, such as concrete and steel, took over from the Baux stone. As a consequence, the Carrière des Grands Fonds had to close in 1935.
Later in 1959, Jean Cocteau, a famous French filmmaker and writer, decided to shoot here “Testament of Orpheus”. The place is the perfect set to travel through time and space!
In 1977 the quarry took a radical change in direction when the scenographer Joseph Svoboda potted an incredible artistic potential: the large stone walls could be the ideal set for a light and sound show! This is when the first audio-visual shows of the Carrière des Grands Fonds began.
The Carrières de Lumières and major artists
In 2012, the Carrière des Grands Fonds was renamed as Carrières de Lumières. Since that time, the visitors may discover every year a brand new exhibition that litteraly plunges them into works of art. After Gauguin, Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, Leonard de Vinci, Chagall, and even Bosch, it is time to put works of Picasso in the spotlight. The exhibition ,,Picasso et les maîtres espagnol” (Picasso and the Spanish masters) recounts almost a century of Spanish painting. From Goya to Picasso and Rusiñol, we explore the Spanish masterpieces of the XXth century.
Discover the exhibition ,,Picasso et les maîtres espagnols” (Picasso and the Spanish masters) at the Carrières de Lumières from March 2, 2018 to January 6, 2019.
Carrière de Lumières, Route de Maillane 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France.