In 1991-1992, in the heart of Nancy, archaeological excavations revealed a barbican built in front of the south gate of the city around 1480, an artillery boulevard built around 1510, a bastion dated from the 1560s and a curtain wall of 1525. These last two were taken up by Vauban in 1673. All these discoveries are on the site of an extension of the museum of fine arts. “We knew we would find something,” remembers the former deputy for culture, Gérard Benhamou. He carried the file for almost ten years, from the beginning in 1989 to the opening in February 1999.
With potential technical difficulties since this part of Nancy is built on flood-prone meadows. “We already had casing experience showing us that it was feasible: that of the basement of the opera house, which has never experienced any infiltration, and dates from… 1914.”
“There is no religion to be had on this type of issue. This is not a political story. It’s a question of using taxpayers’ money and serving the public,” said Gérard Benhamou. Added to the archaeological interest was the opportunity to create an additional exhibition room and a conference amphitheater, where originally only a technical room was planned.
The choice to enhance rather than preserve by refilling was not financially neutral. The budget jumped by a third. “But ultimately, the municipal envelope was identical. » The other financiers followed, certain arrangements were deferred. “Thanks to this privatizable space, the museum obtains patronage. It must not be the financial choice that wins, nor that of the archaeologists,” believes the former elected official.
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3 And with 30 years of hindsight?
“Highlighting the remains has taken nothing away from the contemporary architectural gesture of the project. We gain a lot and we lose nothing. It’s something that guides and Nancy residents tell us, a plus in visiting the museum around regional history,” summarizes Laurent Hénart, deputy for culture of the city in 2001, then mayor of the city from 2014 to 2020. “It’s also a plus because the museum management has adapted and brought this new place to life by welcoming the Daum donation, bringing together more than 900 pieces of glass. »
“It’s quite a plus,” says Gérard Benhamou, who mentions the possibility of a crypt allowing public access at a lower cost. Paradox of history, work is now planned in Nancy at the Lorrain museum and the valorization of the remains unearthed is debated. Gérard Benhamou took a diametrically opposed position on this project. “The remains are too numerous, too complex. Making a path between illegible remains makes no sense,” concludes the former deputy.
