Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans transforms into cultural center with new gardens and museum

The Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, has undergone a major transformation into a cultural center. The 18th-century saltworks, designed by Claude Nicolas Ledoux between 1775 and 1779 under Louis XV, now features extensive gardens designed by Gilles Clément and the agency Mayort & Toussaint. The project, named 'Un Cercle immense', includes 12 permanent gardens on 7,000 square meters, such as the Jardin du temps inspired by the cyanometer invented by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure and Alexander von Humboldt in 1789. The site also hosts a permanent exhibition on salt history across 500 square meters, the Centre de lumières immersive 3D show, and the Musée Claude Nicolas Ledoux with 60 maquettes. Temporary exhibitions include photographer Vincent Munier's 'À l'affût' until March 9, 2025. The saltworks closed in 1895, was purchased by the Doubs department in 1927, and the garden competition was launched in 2019. The site now offers concerts, festivals, and cultural events.