Château de Jossigny transforms itself into a "third place" open to all

The Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) has decided to revitalize some of its historic monuments, in particular castles, by transforming them into"third places". The aim is to strengthen the contribution of monuments to local development by setting up activities that encourage links between local players, sharing, collective initiatives and the creation of economic, social and educational value.

As a reminder, third places are spaces where people can come together and enjoy shared activities in a convivial atmosphere. They are places where you can "do things together" in a collaborative way.

For CMN, the interest of these third-party venues also lies in the dissemination of and access to culture for local audiences. To bring this experiment to fruition, CMN called on Plateau Urbain, a transitional urban planning cooperative, to assist in setting up these third places on several sites, and in reinventing the practices and uses of heritage.

The first third-party site to see the light of day is the Château de Jossigny. This 18th-century château, which is usually inaccessible, was chosen for its ability to accommodate new uses in the short term. 12 project leaders were selected from 75 applicants to diversify the château's uses and attract new audiences, more distant from cultural visits.

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Most of the projects selected are linked to art,craft and creation (tapestry, dyeing, mosaics, straw marquetry, jewelry, fashion, etc.) and have a strong environmental focus, reflected in their attention to materials, techniques and circuits. A cultural mediation structure focusing on archaeology has also been created, as well as workshops for dried flowers, vegetable dyeing and decor creation. The Château de Jossigny is now accessible through the organization of these craft and cultural events. In this way, you kill two birds with one stone, enjoying some great entertainment while discovering France's heritage.

Note that a second "tiers lieu" will open at the Château de Châteaudun in spring 2023. Project developers can apply until February 28, 2023 on the Plateau Urbain platform to occupy the proposed spaces, including the cider house and its gardens, part of the château's former kitchens, and two rooms in the north wing dedicated to the circular economy.