KIT2011 - Espace Presse Vulcania

PRESS
KIT 2011
P R E SS C O N T A C T
F r a n ç o is e P E R R E T
+ 33 4 73 19 70 16/+ 33 6 86 55 07 11
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http://presse.vulcania.com
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VULCANIA, theAdventure of the Earth
amidst the Auvergne Volcanoes
Combining attractions and knowledge, emotions and facts to explain the mysteries
of volcanoes and planet Earth, that is what Vulcania is all about.
This out of the ordinary theme park uses interactive activities and experiences to explain
the sometimes very violent, natural phenomena which rule our planet.
Set at the heart of a region, Auvergne, whose past was profoundly marked by volcanism, Vulcania is a place
of both learning and pleasure, unique in Europe, where each of us can better understand the workings of our
planet.
With its carefully chosen displays and activities, the intention of Vulcania is to be not only an educational
experience but first and foremost a fun place to which families can come to enjoy themselves. Since 2007
the key element in the renovation of Vulcania has been the addition each year of new, lively and interactive
attractions which make a visit to the theme park a truly sensational experience; an experience which at the
same time leads the visitor on an extraordinary educational adventure – the adventure of planet Earth.
Vulcania is financed by the Auvergne Regional Council with the participation of the EU and the French
government. Since its inauguration in 2002, the park has welcomed more than 3.4million visitors.
Vulcania is open from the 23rdMarchto the 13thNovember 2011.
3
In spring 2010, everyone’s attention was drawn to Iceland and the eruption of its now infamous
volcano Eyjafjallajokullwhich considerablydisrupted human activity. In spring 2011 media attention
is focussed on the devastating earthquake and tsunami which have affected Japan even more
dramatically.
Once again, the earth’s rage isheadlinenews and raisingnumerous questions about the threat of
naturaldisastersthat hangs over us,thereby creating an increasing need for understanding of these
extreme phenomena whose unpredictabilitycauses both fear and worry. This need, uppermost in everyone’s mind, to
understand, to measure our planet’s fragility and find out if we can anticipate the dangers linked to the devastating power
of these extreme phenomena is at the core of Vulcania’sgoals.
Our understanding stems from the analysiscarried out bythe scientific community; prevention and solutions, on the
other hand, layclearly in the domain of politics. Katia and Maurice Kraft were convinced of this and devoted their lives to
informing people about the danger of volcanoes in order to better protect populations.For the 20th anniversary of their
tragic death during the eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan, Vulcania is paying a special tribute to this extraordinary couple
of volcanologists, a tributewhich has particular resonance against the backdrop of current events.
Katia and Maurice Kraft were profoundly marked by the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia and were convinced
that if people had been warned 25,000 lives could have been saved. Their film warning of risks played an important role
in June 1991 when the Pinatubo volcano erupted in the Philippines.It was after having seen the film that the authorities
decided to evacuate the population, thus saving tens of thousands of lives. However, neither of these eruptions, with their
so very different consequences, can be compared to the supervolcanoes recently brought into the limelight by scientists
and which Vulcania illustrates this year with its new exhibit “Mission TOBA”.
Ever faithful to our goal, this year’s new exhibits build on theexisting content, designed to explain simply the natural
phenomena which inspire curiosity in a public ever more hungry for knowledge and understanding of our planet and its
future.
Jean MALLOT
Président of Vulcania
4
VULCANIA
THE ADVENTURE
OF THE EARTH
• A flight over a supervolcano ............................................................................................................................................ P.6
• In the footsteps of Katia and Maurice Krafft .......................................................................................................... P.7
•
P.8
• A Breathtaking Adventure in the Depths of the Earth........................................................................................ P.8
•
P.9
•
P.9
• An interactive journey around planet earth ............................................................................................................. P.10
Mission Toba (New in 2011)
The Volcano Devils (New in 2011)
What if the volcanoes suddenly woke up? ................................................................................................................ The Awakening of Auvergne Giants
Dragon Ride
Voyage to the heart of a molten lava flow ............................................................................................................
Magma Explorer
A breathtaking documentary . .......................................................................................................................................... Mount Saint Helens
Machine Earth
• The secrets of the planet unveiled ................................................................................................................................ P.10
• Face the elements... unleashed ....................................................................................................................................... P.11
• An interactive work on modern volcanology ............................................................................................................ P.11
•
P.12
• A water totem more than 20 metres high ............................................................................................................... P.12
• Auvergne in all its splendour ............................................................................................................................................ P.13
•
P.13
The Planet Unveiled
The Earth’s Rage
Hamilton’s Tactile Book
Discover our planet through a child’s eyes .............................................................................................................. The Magical Odyssey
The Grand Geyser
Giant Scale Models
A 360° natural experience ................................................................................................................................................ VolcanBul
THERE’S MORE TO VULCANIA...
• The Krafft collection, “On the trail of Volcanoes”, “Man and volcanoes” .................................................... P.14 & 15
• The volcanic garden and discovery trails ................................................................................................................................... P.16
• Vulcania for all the family ...................................................................................................................................................... P.17 et 18
• Vulcania practical information, Vulcania’s smart deals ......................................................................................... P.19 à 21
• Vulcania in a few words......................................................................................................................................................................... P.22
• Vulcania, a unique architecture........................................................................................................................................................ P.23
5
NEW
IN 2011
MISSION TOBA
A FLIGHT OVER A SUPERVOLCANO
MISSION TOBA takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through time and space to meet
a supervolcano... On board futuristic ships, visitors glide in formation over the Toba region in
Indonesia where, 74,000 years ago, a spectacular explosion occurred. To experience this
breathtaking flight and discover the force of this eruption, the audience is enclosed in a brand
new auditorium with a 180° screen and images projectedon the floor that reinforce the feeling
of being immersed in the volcano. During this flight over the Toba region, visitors will be able to
appreciate the incredible power of supervolcanoes.
A 4minute52second
IMMERSION
IN A
AN
SPECTACULAR
EXTRAORDINARY
ERUPTION!
JOURNEY TO
THE AGE OF TOBA
With this fictional film, Vulcania takes people to the world of supervolcanoes. The Indonesian tourist resort Toba,
is a vast oval lake of unusual proportions (100 km long,30 km wide, and 500 m deep). Though it doesn’t have
the standard shape of a volcano it is nonetheless an impressive example of one.
The Toba volcano exploded 74,000 years ago and was the most violent eruption to have taken place on earth
for millions of years. In total, a colossal 2,800 km3 of ash and rock were ejected, that’s the equivalent of 5
metres of ash covering the entire surface area of France! Following this eruption, the void left under the volcano
caused the roof of the magma chamber to collapse thereby creating a huge hollow.Rain and runoff water
gradually filled this hollow, and formed the lake which exists today.This prehistoric eruption had considerable
consequences for the planet which was plunged into a “volcanic winter”; Flora and fauna were devastated and,
according to some scientists, part of the human population of the time may also have disappeared.
Production: The Auvergne Regional Council
Design: Patrick Besenval-XLargo / Les Crayons
Director: Olivier Chavarot
Audiovisual and special effects: Polymorph / Fullscreen
Budget: €1.6 Mex tax
6
NEW
IN 2011
THE VOLCANO DEVILS
KATIA AND MAURICE KRAFFT
The “Volcano Devils”exhibit exhibit portrays a life of passion, commitment and personal conviction.
Katia and Maurice Krafft travelled all over the world, fascinated by both the beauty and the fury of
volcanoes. This 250m² exhibition,which mixes personal belongings with new footage and numerous
testimonies from those who worked or travelled with them, illustrates their extraordinary lives and
the battle started by the Kraffts to raise awareness among those in power of the urgent need for
preventative measures against the risks from volcanoeswith one goal in mind: saving lives.
Katia and Maurice
KRAFFT,
independent
A LIFE
volcanologits !
SPENT CHASING
VOLCANOES
For the 20th anniversary of their death, Vulcania is paying a special tribute to a unique couple who dedicated their
lives to volcanism and contributed to the creation of Vulcania. They marked the end of the twentieth century with their
strong personalities and way of life, their dedication to volcanism and their impelling need to transmit their beliefs.
By their infectious enthusiasm, their passion for exploration and for capturing what they saw on film, they instigated
a totally new way of popularising science.Photographers as well as volcanologists, Maurice & Katia Krafft have left a
unique legacy: an unparalleled library devoted to volcanoes comprising 300,000 photos, 300 hours of film footage,
dozens of paintings and watercolours and a host of books. Independent, united in their passion for volcanology, and
fascinated by the beauty of natural explosions, they could be found wherever an eruption was taking place anywhere in
the world. They died together on 3 June 1991 at 3.18pm swept away by a pyroclastic (lava) flow from Mount Unzen
on the island of Kyushu in Japan.
Production : Vulcania
Director : Tatoeba (André Demaison) /
Vulcania (scientific team)
7
BREATHTAKING
EXCITEMENT
THE AWAKENING OF AUVERGNE GIANTS
WHAT IF THE VOLCANOES SUDDENLY WOKE UP?
What would happen if the hundred volcanoes that make up the Chaîne des Puys suddenly
woke up?
The 4D film Le Réveil des Géants d’Auvergne (The Awakening of Auvergne Giants),
answers the question that visitors to Vulcania always ask! Combining thrills and science,
this attraction places the audience at the heart of the action, thanks to dynamic seats
and special visual effects, sounds and smells.
A fictional tale with larger than life sensations
Duration: 12 min/
4D film
The film explores some plausible scenarios, showing what might happen if the volcanoes of
the Massif Central woke up.
The magic of 3D images shot on natural sites in Auvergne allows visitors to experience some
of the stages of this story.
DRAGON RIDE
A BREATHTAKING ADVENTURE IN THE DEPTHS OF THE EARTH
Duration: 4 min
4D film
with individual
interactive seats
A dynamic and totally enthralling attraction, the Dragon Ride plunges passengers to
the very depths of the Earth to encounter fabulous dragons! Located at the heart of
Vulcania, the action takes place inside the natural fault that lies beneath the park.
Visitors explore this dizzying rift, which lately has shown some worrisome signs...and are
plunged into a world full of dragons. Some are indifferent while others are more «playful»
with visitors! This mythical journey lasts more than 4 minutes and combines a 4D film
and 36 individual interactive seats, which are unique in France, as well as special wind
and heat effects, for intense excitement!
A dizzying ride through a world filled with dragons
Before science could provide a rational explanation, it was often these monsters who were
accused of triggering tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and, more generally, any
powerful unleashing of the elements. Among the many creatures in mythology, four dragons
are featured in this impressive attraction, each representing one of the four elements (waterair-earth-fire): a Cerberus, a three-headed monster who jealously guards the gates to the
Kingdom of Death; a Leviathan, a terrifying biblical sea beast, capable of wreaking havoc over
the entire planet; an Air dragon, a diaphanous creature often cited in Asian mythology who
floats majestically on the wind; and a Fire dragon, a creature who lives in red hot volcanoes
and was once blamed for their eruptions.
8
BREATHTAKING
EXCITEMENT
MAGMA EXPLORER
VOYAGE TO THE HEART OF A MOLTEN LAVA FLOW
Who has not dreamt of plunging into the heart of an active volcano?
Vulcania has its own magmatic exploration ship, the Magma Explorer III, aboard which
visitors are invited to journey into the bowels of an active volcano. During a virtual yet
action-packed journey, visiting “volcanauts” can peer through 5 “portholes” to discover
the mysterious world of a magma chamber inside a volcano and experience an eruption
from the inside. Bumps, tremors, sudden stops, sways and bursts of hot air punctuate
the ship’s “voyage” providing plenty of thrills and excitement!
Duration 6 min /
Dynamic interactive
platform
Plunge into the heart of a volcano!
Penetrating inside an active volcano and exploring its “roots” is a dream that many scientists
share: Jules Verne in his novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”, Maurice Krafft who
dreamed of being swept away in a lava flow locked inside a refrigerated titanium sphere,
and David Stevenson who suggested sending a probe to the Earth’s core by placing it in
a 100,000 tonne mass of molten steel reaching the Earth’s core within a week. Magma
Explorer offers this experience to visitors to Vulcania.
THE EXPLOSIVE ERUPTION
OF MOUNT SAINT HELENS
In 1980 in the United States, a gigantic volcanic eruption blew the top off Mount Saint
Helens, swept away the sides of the mountain, causing the northern face to collapse,
leaving behind it a completely devastated landscape! Vulcania has recreated in minute
detail and with meticulous care the scenery in the aftermath of the eruption on the ramp
of pyroclastic flows where visitors can witness the grey, dark and silent landscapes.
Through real footage, visitors can relive, with great emotion, this dramatic volcanic event.
A breathtaking documentary!
Duration 7 min
On 18th May 1980, a strong earthquake produced by volcanic activity caused the collapse
of the north face of Mount Saint Helens. The pressurised magma and gas, which had been
accumulating for two months inside the mountain, took only a few moments to escape. A
burning lateral blast, to the north, sent a flow of lava down the sides of the mountain at more
than 55 kph, which went on to cover hills and valleys. At the same time, an enormous plume
of volcanic ash rose 25 metres into the air within 15 minutes. The energy that escaped from
the volcano was estimated at 27,000 times that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
The volcano was decapitated and lost 430 metres of its height. An area of 600 km², or six
times the city of Paris, was devastated.
9
AN INTERACTIVE
WORLD
MACHINE EARTH
AN INTERACTIVE JOURNEY AROUND PLANET EARTH
Holograms, a multi-touch table, an interactive floor, zenithal projections, hemispheric
screens… Machine Earth deploys a high-tech arsenal to pierce the Earth’s mysteries.
Discover the astonishing formation of the Solar System inside a carousel, walk on a giant
image of the Earth, play with video windows to understand the ground beneath our feet,
observe the planets on hemispheric screens or play with landscapes on a multi-touch
table.
A 100% interactive journey to pierce the mysteries of our planet
A high-tech arsenal
to explore science
In an area hollowed out of real lava flows, the visitor interacts with the room, controls his
own path and is an active player in his discovery of the planet, its formation, workings and
the inner forces governing its behaviour. With the Globe of Life and its projection on a
1.6 m hemispheric screen visitors can witness the incredible appearance of life on Earth.
Fragile and fleeting, like life on our planet, a butterfly leads visitors through this ingenious and
surprising display.
THE PLANET UNVEILED
THE SECRETS OF THE PLANET UNVEILED
“The Planet Unveiled” takes visitors on a real-time virtual journey to discover all the
landscapes of the Earth via a series of satellite images. Innovative navigation software,
a scientific guide and interaction with the audience are the unusual recipe behind this
high-tech attraction. The audience sets off on a unique journey through the Earth’s most
beautiful and fragile landscapes, thanks to high-quality images and commentaries by a
Vulcania guide..
Duration: 45 min
Interaction with
a scientific guide
An interactive trip around the world in high-definition
Much more than a simple display of the globe, The Planet Unveiled invites visitors to take
part in a real trip around the world in just 45 minutes. From its hidden corners to its highest
mountain tops, the audience can rediscover our planet through a perfect reproduction of its
colours and terrain. It is also a journey devoted to volcanism, the richness of biodiversity and
the effects of climate change, commented by a scientific guide. The originality of this attraction
is that the audience is encouraged to ask questions! This back-and-forth, between visitors and
the Planet Unveiled guide, creates a dialogue and itineraries born of the audience’s curiosity.
10
AN INTERACTIVE
WORLD
THE EARTH’S RAGE
AN INTERACTIVE PLATFORM
6 ½ minutes
of breathtaking excitement
6 ways
the Earth rages
Welcome aboard the interactive simulator, The Earth’s Rage. With Sabine Quindou
at the controls, the audience chooses a scenario and then answers a series of
questions. The session begins with a “pre-show” that introduces the attraction by
providing detailed information on the impressive and devastating natural phenomena
the audience will have to face. Then, once they are completely immersed in the action,
the audience chooses 3 of the 6 scenarios on offer: rogue waves, an avalanche,
molten lava, an earthquake, a tornado or a meteorite crater. 6 ½ minutes of
breathtaking excitement and a great show. After each simulation, Sabine suggests
different ways of dealing with these types of phenomenon. But will the audience have
the right reflexes?
Face the elements... unleashed
This simulation is based on dynamic platforms that are synchronised with the film
sequences, simulating the shaking and movements experienced during major natural
events. Each session, shown in high definition and with combined physical effects (wind,
heat and water), offers the audience the chance to come face-to-face with the unleashed
elements of nature. Following each simulation, the audience is encouraged to deepen its
understanding of these natural phenomena and their causes through a question and
answer session. With this attraction, Vulcania combine learning and excitement allowing
the public to experience 6 different ways in which the Earth rages. Each of the natural
events presented in The Earth’s Rage have their place in human history, and visitors can
experience them first-hand in a fully immersive and exceptionally realistic system that
reproduces all the sensations of shaking, tremors, vibrations, acceleration, etc.
HAMILTON’S TACTILE BOOK
THE FIRST INTERACTIVE BOOK ON VOLCANOLOGY
Exploring
the volcanoes
of Auvergne
and elsewhere…
Very early on in the history of humanity, many people were fascinated by volcanoes,
patiently observing and studying them. Lord William Hamilton, ambassador of Great
Britain to the court of Naples in the 18th century, was a passionate volcanologist, with a
particular interest in the volcanic activity of Mount Vesuvius. In 1776, he assembled his
field notes and sketches and wrote a remarkable book: Campi Phlegraei, Observations
on the Volcanoes of the Two Sicilies. This work is exceptional because of its abundant
illustrations and presents, for the first time, the landscape of Mount Vesuvius, its
eruptions (from 1756 to 1771) and the evolution of its crater. Visitors can browse
through this extraordinary book in high definition digital format.
Virtually browse through the 1st scientific work on volcanology
Sir William Hamilton was one of the great volcanologists of modern times. He was a pioneer
and believed that volcanoes had a deep feeding system, challenging the idea that they “burn”. He
demonstrated that a volcano builds up through an accumulation of lava and there are several
different types of lava flows. His scientific contribution in the 18th century came at a time when
there were two distinct schools of thought: Neptunists, who believed in the predominant role
of water (lava flows are marine deposits), and Plutonists, who held the idea that lava develops
from molten material inside the Earth. William Hamilton’s work, with its 54 watercolour tinted
prints, is the first book on volcanology in history.
11
AN AWESOME
DISPLAY
THE MAGICAL ODYSSEY
THE CHILD & THE EARTH
The Magical Odyssey, a 70 mm film shown on a giant 415 m² screen, is an unusual
fictional tale filmed exclusively in a natural setting, which takes the audience on a
spectacular 20-minute journey through the beauty and fragility of the Earth. It tells
the story of young Martin’s voyage of discovery, guided by the delightful Titania, a
magical creature. Together, they travel around the world, discovering that the Earth
is abeautiful, but also very fragile planet.
70 mm film
20 minutes on a giant
415 m2
screen
Discover the planet through the eyes of a child
With a voice that is full of positive energy, Claire Keim does a wonderful job giving
life to Titania’s character. Martin and Titania are accompanied throughout their
adventure by the Earth, whose voice is provided by the inimitable tones of Macha
Bérenger. From the originality of its screenplay to the artistic quality of its production,
the Magical Odyssey is a film for all ages that illustrates, with humour and accuracy,
the main ecological challenges facing us today. With this story Vulcania continues
to raise awareness of the fragility and suffering of our planet by tackling the crucial
question of its future in a simple way that avoids catastrophism. Each step of this
journey is a symbol of the major problems we face: melting glaciers and climate
change, the over-consumption of energy supplies and natural resources, the threat
to biodiversity, etc. Vulcania plays a role as a messenger serving this vital cause: the
future of our planet.
THE GRAND GEYSER
A COLUMN OF WATER MORE THAN 20M HIGH
As found in certain recently active volcanic regions, The Grand Geyser is a real-life
column of water spouting more than 20m high at the heart of a fully aquatic landscaped
caldera. In a preserved natural environment that is perfect for relaxing with your family,
this garden contains springs, fountains and interactive aquatic games for all ages to
enjoy! Representing an impressive volcanic feature, The Grand Geyser gushes out right
next to Vulcania’s iconic Cone.
An amazing natural phenomenon and an aquatic garden perfect for relaxing
At the heart of
an area entirely
devoted to water
When surface water filters into the ground and meets the residual heat of magmatic zones, a
spectacle is imminent: the water heats up to more than 100°C underground and periodically
gushes up to the surface sending plumes and curls of steam and hot water into the air. This
post-volcanic phenomenon sometimes lasts for thousands of years, long after the eruptive
activity has ceased.
12
AN AWESOME
DISPLAY
GIANT SCALE MODELS
AUVERGNE IN ALL ITS SPLENDOUR!
Covering an area of almost 120 m2, our four giant scale models of the Chaîne des Puys
and all of the Auvergne volcanoes will give visitors an idea of the scale of volcanism in the
region. And our animated cross section of the Earth’s crust will help them understand
how it works. These models, on display at the heart of Vulcania’s iconic Cone, are an
expression of the park’s ongoing efforts to offer visitors new exhibitions and new forms
of scientific mediation, especially for young people.
120 m2 to discover
the region’s volcanic
topography
Inside the iconic Cone of Vulcania, the models recreate a panoramic
view of the main volcanoes in Auvergne
The model of Auvergne (Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal and Haute-Loire) makes it clear how the
region is geologically structured. The Chaîne des Puys is comprised of some 100 mountains
running from north to south. Today some of these have disappeared due to intensive
mining of their scoriae, or puzzolana. The complex Monts Dore massif is much bigger. The
last eruptions there took place around 230,000 years ago. Further to the south lies the
vast Cézalier plateaux, made up of the remains of huge lava flows that are now covered
in pastures and stretch as far as the eye can see. The Cantal stratovolcano is the largest
volcanic structure in Europe. It is what’s left of a larger volcano that is thought to have been
more than 3,000 metres high, but the collapse of its flanks and glacial erosion during the
quaternary period have left it decapitated and scored with massive radial valleys. Its last
eruptions took place around 3 million years ago.
VOLCANBUL
A 360° NATURAL EXPERIENCE
The VolcanBul allows visitors to discover the extraordinarily rich volcanic landscapes of
Auvergne as well its flora and fauna. This driverless electric vehicle, which works via a GPS
guidance system, is silent and entirely transparent. All along the circuit, a Vulcania guide
will provide an interactive account of the landscape that shapes the park’s environment.
An innovative vehicle allowing you to “read” the Auvergne landscape
Unique in France!
3 electric vehicles
guided by GPS
The area surrounding Vulcania offers magnificent views over the scoria cones and domes of
the central section of the Chaîne des Puys. These clean eco-vehicles allow visitors to discover
this volcanic environment –unique in Europe – with its relatively young formations, evidence
of the recent geological history in this region. (28 seats, including 1 for disabled access)
13
THERE’S MORE
TO VULCANIA...
THE KRAFFT COLLECTION
THE INCREDIBLE VOLCANIC TREASURE
A meeting
with legends
Nicknamed the “Volcano Devils”, Katia and Maurice Krafft went on many expeditions,
amassing an astonishing collection of films, photos, rock samples and objects taken from
within the lava, as well as paintings, engravings and watercolours. As custodians of their
legacy, Vulcania has dedicated a space to them. It displays some of the most spectacular
objects from their collection, highlighting the unusual path taken by these two passionate
French volcanologists. Throughout Vulcania numerous objects, films and images from this
collection have been integrated into the different exhibits, thereby providing visitors with
exceptional, high-quality testimonies.
The Kraffts, who were drawn to volcanoes as moths are to light, crept ever closer to volcanic
eruptions in order to satisfy their insatiable appetite for them. In so doing they generated a
collection of iconographic materialsthat has yet to be equalled. Their knowledge of volcanoes
was unquestionable, but their ceaseless relationship with the volcanic world was not limited
to studying, filming and photographing its most spectacular manifestations; an essential
part of the deep-rooted passion that stirred within them was their emotional connection to
volcanoes, and 20 years after their death on the slopes of the Unzen volcano in Japan, this
continues to shine through in the images they left behind.
ON THE TRAIL OF VOLCANOES
WITNESS POST-VOLCANIC FEATURES IN ALL THEIR
SPLENDOUR (MUD HOLES AND HOT SPRINGS)
Soar above the volcanoes
of Auvergne
The Magic Pond
The Magic Pond presents another virtual adventure. When the blue surface begins to
undulate, the cameras zoom in, and for 3 minutes the audience travels through consecutive
space scales that lead from our vast galaxy (the Milky Way) to the silica pearls in the colourful
basins of Yellowstone Park. Visitors are taken on a high-speed journey from cosmos to
microcosms so that they can appreciate the continuity between all components of matter
and space, from the biggest to the smallest of scales.
14
THERE’S MORE
TO VULCANIA...
MAN AND VOLCANOES
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF VOLCANOLOGISTS AND
SEE HOW A VOLCANIC CRISIS IS MANAGED
This space lets you learn more about the work of volcanologists and see how a volcanic
crisis is managed.
One press of the button and the illuminated windows reveal the impressive contrast in
the same landscape before and after a volcanic eruption:
Duration: 10 mins
• Mount Vesuvius: Italy, 79 BC – Pompeii, Herculaneum
• Mount Pelée: Saint-Pierre, Martinique, 1902
• Nevado del Ruiz: Colombia, 1985
• Mount Pinatubo: Philippines, 1991
A 10-minute show allows you to follow an imaginary eruptive crisis. Using the on-screen
information provided during the documentaries, visitors will discover a range of tools
developed by scientists in an effort to forecast how eruptions develop.
THE TAMENTIT METEORITE
THE JEWEL OF VULCANIA AND THE DOYENNE OF THE EARTH
It came from Space and fell in the Sahara centuries ago. It is by far the oldest object
visitors will ever touch in their lives. This block, composed of an alloy of iron and nickel, is
4.6 million years old; that’s around the time the Earth’s solar system was born!
A metallic meteorite
weighing more than
half a ton 15
THERE’S MORE
TO VULCANIA...
THE VOLCANIC GARDEN
A HAVEN OF SUBTROPICAL GREENERY
Bathed in light from a great glass roof, the Volcanic Garden invites visitors to stroll beneath
its New Zealand tree ferns, in the midst of exotic plants that are typical of subtropical volcanic
areas at this altitude. Growing directly in the volcanic rock of Auvergne, the vegetation in this
garden was part of the primitive forests found on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago.
An impressive bouquet
of natural beauty
This haven of greenery symbolises how plant life can reconquer lands that have been ravaged
by the fury of volcanoes. In fact, even after the most destructive eruptions, when climatic
conditions are right, the flora quickly asserts its rights over the fertile ashes and the cooled
molten lava, Intermittent spraying meets the specific needs of very thirsty plants.
DISCOVERY TRAILS
THE RED TRAIL: “BEHIND THE LANDSCAPE”
THE GREEN TRAIL: “NATURE AT VULCANIA”
“Behind the Landscape”
(takes around 25 mins and
is accessible to all)
“Nature at Vulcania”
(takes around 50 mins, with
some steep sections)
Vulcania’s environment makes this area ideal for discovering all the wonders of the Parc
Naturel des Volcans d’Auvergne. As they walk along the paths at Vulcania, visitors can
discover plant species that cohabit nowadays in this mid-mountainous region, situated at
an altitude of about 1,000 metres. These nature trails invite you to explore the Auvergne
region, discovering its heritage, historic sites and preserved natural beauty along the way.
Two marked trails near the Crater let you explore the surrounding countryside.
The red trail (“Behind the Landscape”) reveals traces of the history and dynamics of the local
landscape. The green trail (“Nature at Vulcania”) introduces you to the local flora and fauna.
The Chaîne des Puys, which was the scene of spectacular eruptions just a few thousand
years ago, bears witness to this eventful past. The rounded domes, such as the Puy-de-Dôme
or the Clierzou, do not have a crater. They were formed by violent explosions and pryoclastic
flows. Cones such as the Puy de Côme, the Pariou or the Puy des Goules sent a more liquid
lava down towards the Limagne plains and the Combrailles. These molten lava flows with
their chaotic surfaces, known as “Cheires” in Auvergne, are now covered by forest.
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VULCANIA, FOR ALL
THE FAMILY
The mischievous, impish and learned Pitoufeu will accompany your children on the adventure of planet earth. And
especially for families, Vulcania offers attractions for you all to enjoy together!
New
PITOUFEU AND VOLCANOES
A FUN BOOKLET FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS!
Young aspiring explorers can discover Vulcania by joining Pitoufeu in an exciting and interactive
mystery game! The park’s new mascot will get them to explore the park, following a trail that’s
littered with puzzles to help them understand all the secrets of volcanism…
Puzzles to find and solve
(for 7–12 year olds)
THE EXPERIMENTS AREA
LEARN ABOUT SCIENCE WHILE HAVING FUN
Interactive workshops for
the whole family
How would you like to simulate a volcanic eruption using a volcano made of sand? Or save
the city of Clermont-Ferrand from molten lava in less than 3 minutes? These are just some
of the challenges facing families in one of our three specially-equipped rooms that make up
the Experiments Area. Parents and children are invited by park staff to take part in research
and discovery exercises through various activities and games. The Experiments Area, which is
open to all at weekends and during school holidays, tackles three major themes: Volcanoes and
volcanism, Natural events and risks, and The fragile planet Earth (based on the environment
and impact of man’s activities on the planet). During the school term, the Experiments Area is
available for primary and secondary school groups (more than 300,000 pupils have already
participated).
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GAMES GALLERY
INDOOR PLAY AREA PARTICULARLY SUITABLE FOR LITTLE ONES
The little imp of the volcanoes has lost his magic powers: the young visitors’ mission is
to help him get them back.
This exciting adventure gives our youngest visitors the chance to see the inside of magmatic
chambers, swim over submerged volcanoes, wriggle through a tunnel to get to sub-glacial
volcanoes, or land on another planet in a spaceship.
Help the little imp
get his powers back
THE ADVENTURE TRAIL
WHERE YOUNGSTERS CAN LET OFF STEAM IN THE OPEN AIR
A short distance from the building you will find the Adventure Trail, where children aged
6 to 12 can have some fun. This feature includes several outdoor play areas, where
children can have a go at climbing, cross a suspended tunnel or attempt the aerial
runway, all under the watchful eye of their parents.
A breath of fresh air for
children aged 6 to 12
THE DOCUMENTATION CENTRE
AN INEXHAUSTIBLE STORE OF KNOWLEDGE
Improve your understanding
of Earth science
Home to more than 5,000 documents on Earth Science and the Universe, regional
heritage, the natural world, the environment and scientific education, the Documentation
Centre is for everyone, from the youngest visitors to specialists in the field.
Open every day that Vulcania is open, from 1.30 pm.
The centre has comic books and material suitable for children, as well as multimedia
resources (videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs, games, Internet access and more), teaching
tools (for primary and secondary students), thematic folders on science and the latest
scientific news, magazines, popular works, fiction, specialised material on volcanology,
maps, excursion guides and more. Several thousand images from the Maurice and Katia
Krafft collection can also be viewed in our online catalogue.
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PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
CALENDAR
Vulcania is open from 23 March until 13 November 2011
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Information may change without notice, subject to general terms
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and conditions.
INDIVIDUAL PRICES
Green period
Blue period
Open from 10am to 6pm
Adults ............................................. Adults ............................................. (Reduced rate)*
€ 21
€ 19,50 Children ............................................. € 15
Children ............................................. € 14
(6 to 16 years old)
(Reduced rate*)
Yellow period
open from 10am to 7pm in July
(7:30pm in August)
€ 23
open from 10am to 11pm
(with fireworks display) **
€ 24
€ 21,50
€ 15,50
€ 14,50
€ 22,50
€ 16,50
€ 15,50
* Reduced ratesapply to students, job seekers and disabled visitors (please provide proof)
** Weather-dependent
FAMILY OFFER
For the 2nd to the 5th child: €4 discount on child ticket price all season long!
SMALL GROUP OFFER
Discounts available all season long for groups of 10 to 19 people (reservation required)!
Children under 6 enter for free.
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PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
SPECIAL GROUP
GROUP RATES
(for 20 people and more – does not include free admissions)
Green period
Open from 10am to 6pm
Adults Blue period
open from 10am to 7pm in July
(7:30pm in August)
Yellow period
open from 10am to 11pm
(with fireworks display) **
............................................. € 18 € 20 € 20
Children ............................................. € 13 € 13,50
€ 13,50
(6 to 16 years old)
** Weather-dependent
Children under 6 enter for free.
A SPECIAL TREAT
A ONE-DAY RATE THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED!
Save up to €7 with this all-inclusive one-day rate: €41.90 per person (applies all season)!
Includes: Admission
+
Guided tour
+
Choice of menu (Fish & Seafood or local specialities)
THEME-BASED ACTIVITIES
Choose from one of two further activities to add to your special treat
(additional cost of €3.50 per person):
Lord Hamilton’s Travels (during lunch)
The Volcano Challenge (during the tour)
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VULCANIA
SMART DEALS
OPEN UNTIL 11PM
EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 20 JULY TO 24 AUGUST INCLUSIVE AND TUESDAY 9 & 17 AUGUST
Visitors can enjoy all of the park’s attractions until 11pm and experience Vulcania’s magical
and enchanting atmosphere by night. There will also be a fireworks display on each of these
evenings (subject to weather conditions).
VULCANIA PASSES*
ONE-WEEK PASS (Free)
Visit as often as you like for a whole week!
Just ask for your free pass and you can come back as many times as you like (€ 2.50 per visit)
during the 7 days following your first visit.
SEASON PASS (€5)
Visit as often as you like, any time during the season!
This annual card, valid for the entire 2011 season, allows visitors to come back as many times
as they like and make the most of pass-holder privileges: special offers and more.
* Offer available to visitors who have already purchased a ticket
HOLIDAY BREAKS AT VULCANIA
CONSULT ALL OUR OFFERS AND BOOK AT WWW.VULCANIA.COM
In partnership with Auvergne Tourisme, Vulcania offers all-inclusive package trips for individuals and groups.
TOURISM AND THE DISABLED
Vulcania has been awarded a “Tourisme et Handicap” quality label for all 4 types of disability and can cater
for all disabled visitors, whether individually or in groups. Vulcania is committed not only to making the park
accessible to everyone, but also offers services specially designed for disabled groups. For example, a guided tour is conducted each month in sign language by a deaf guide who is trained in volcanology (duration:
2 hours).
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VULCANIA IN A FEW WORDS
THEY HAD A DREAM…
Katia and Maurice Krafft dreamed of creating “Volcania”, a museum inside the Puy de Dôme dedicated to
volcanism. In 1992, the Regional Council decided to set up such a museum and build it in the heart of the Chaîne
des Puys, within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. The Kraffts’ heirs donated a collection of
objects and the rights to audio and visual materials collected by Katia and Maurice. In 1994, the project was
entrusted to the Austrian architect Hans Hollein, with a budget of €123 million, financed by the Region, the EU
and the French.
ON FEBRUARY 20th 2002, VULCANIA OPENED ITS DOORS...
…with a dual objective: share the latest knowledge from the fields of volcanology and Earth science, and, at the
same time provide a source of economic, cultural and tourism development for the Auvergne region. After
considerable success in its opening year, the park suffered a significant drop in visitor numbers, mainly because
the public felt the content on display was too demanding. Numbers fell from 600,000 in 2002 to 220,000 in
2006.
2007: A NEW VULCANIA
In 2006, the new board of the Regional Council decided to reinvest heavily in the park to adapt its layout to
the expectations of families. Investment of €16m over a five-year period was approved, including €2m to be
provided by the State as part of its collaboration to support regional development projectsaround France. And
so in 2007 the new Vulcania opened its doors, offering members of the public new attractions with authentic
scientific content, but which were designed to focus more on fun. The results since 2007 have justified this
development. Visitor numbers are rising each year: the park celebrated its 3 millionth visitor at the end of
August 2009 and more than 340,000 people visited Vulcania in 2010. Away from the figures, visitors have
said they were highly satisfied: 96% say they learned a lot and 99% say they had a good time.
DEVELOPING TOURISM IN THE AUVERGNE REGION
As a source of tourism growth, Vulcania’s role is to attract visitors to Auvergne and encourage them to spend
time here. With 82% of visitors coming from outside the region and more than 50% saying they came primarily
to visit the park, Vulcania can safely say it is fulfilling this crucial role. The park’s enhanced layout, with greater
emphasis on the beauty of the Auvergne landscape, extended opening hours, and strong partnerships with
other players in the local tourist industry have made it possible to increase the park’s knock-on economic
impact over the past four years: 78% of visitors now choose tourist accommodation when they holiday in the
region. The secondary revenue generated by Vulcania is estimated to be worth nearly €37m each year (source:
Contours).
SEM VOLCANS
Vulcania is operated by SEM Volcans, with share capital of €3.6m and shareholders from the main local
authorities and the major economic entities in the region. The CEO of SEM Volcans is Jean Mallot, and the
organisation is managed by Catherine Damesin.
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VULCANIA,
A UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE
Located at the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, near the town of Saint-Ours-les-Roches and 15 km from ClermontFerrand, Vulcania covers an area of 57 hectares. Its highly varied content is an invitation to get to know the Earth a
bit better, with its innumerable treasures and secrets. Some of the most famous volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys
mountain range overlook Vulcania, such as the Puy-de-Dôme and the Puy-de-Côme, in the heart of a vast natural area
managed by the Parc naturel régional des Volcansd’Auvergne.
An architectural jewel in a green crown
Vulcania’s architectural design is 3/4 underground, discretely integrated in its natural
environment. In addition to hollowing out the rock, Vulcania was designed to harmoniously
blend into its environment.
Its architect, Hans Hollein, working with the Clermont-Ferrand firm Atelier 4, decided to
“sculpt the building out of volcanic rock».
This means that Vulcania’s architectural concrete is a mix of ground basalt (250,000 m3
of volcanic rock extracted on site) and fragments of pink granite, which lends the building
an aspect that is both mineral and natural. These concrete sections blend into the walls
that were directly carved into the basalt (the exhibition halls were directly carved from
the volcanic rock).
An architectural jewel!
To enhance the marriage of architecture and landscape, the building’s interior is linked
to the outside by light wells. The architecture forms an integral part of the scenography:
together the buildings depict an erupting volcano, with a Volcanic Garden, a breathtaking
Crater and the park’s iconic Cone that leads into the different halls, each symbolising onceactive volcanoes and their lava flows.
Much like volcanism itself, the atmosphere here is at once austere and menacing, exciting
and exuberant. The choice of materials – mostly taken from the local bedrock – helps maintain the impression of harmony. The contrast between the stark blackish-grey of the volcanic rock and the warm colours of the sandstone and wall coverings echoes the contrasts
of the Auvergne region.
The Cone, which is the focal point of the structure, blends perfectly into the surrounding volcanic landscape. Inside, stainless steel plates,tinted by titanium vapours using a
secret process,reflect the light without dazzling visitors. Beneath the Cone at a depth of 20
metres, the main central hall (level –4), with its floor paved in geometrically shaped volcanic
slabs, is the symbolic heart of Vulcania. This is the building’s nerve centre, a symbolic crypt
bathed in light reflected off the Cone’s inner walls. Dominating the centre of the room, the
Tamentit meteorite suggests both the Earth’s core, which evokes both the Earth’s core –
most likely formed from similar metallic matter – and the cosmos whence it came.
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