A decor inspired by Jules Verne
For the scenography, the exhibition organizers were inspired by the universe described in Jules Verne's books. Thus, we find there a whole imagination worthy of Twenty thousand leagues under the sea or the Lighthouse at the end of the world: giant jellyfish 10 m in diameter, a giant hull of rusty liner, a machine bubbling with light to illustrate the sea..
7 themes
"The exhibition will illustrate a certainty, that the sea can ensure a XXL future in many areas. Climate, energy, health, nutrition, economic development, housing, digital exchanges, etc."
Thus, to discover the mysteries hidden in the ocean, the 66?000 m2 of the Nantes Exhibition Centre has been divided into 7 themes. Each of them illustrates the known and future benefits of the sea: the sea as a source of energy, the sea that heals us, the sea that feeds us, the sea to preserve, the sea that makes us dream, the sea that makes us happy, the sea that makes us live.
Through the 6 halls and outdoor terraces, discover the following areas:
- The Sea as a source of energy (Hall 1)
- The Sea to be preserved (Hall 2 and Terrace M)
- Maritime and Abyss Treasures (Hall 4)
- The Sea is our future (Grand Palais Level 2 and Hall XXL)
- Innovations and scientific research
- Trades, jobs and training
- An Ocean of Artists (Hall 1 and Gallery Hall 4)
- La Mer XXS for the youngest (Hall 3 and Terrace E)
- The nautical scene (Terrace H and on the Erdre river)
The Sea as a source of energy
In Hall 1, dedicated to the energy produced by the sea and its actors, the wind turbines on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier are the subject of an interactive exhibition, with several terminals and screens.
Thanks to a virtual reality helmet, 3 360° simulations are proposed: at the foot of the wind turbine, from the roof of the nacelle to about 200 m above the sea and on board a drone to fly over a land-based wind turbine.
Visitors can also discover the manufacture and launch of hydro turbines through videos and models.
An ocean of artists (Hall 1 and Gallery Hall 4)
A third of Hall 1 will feature painters, photographers and sculptors who showcase the sea. Marine photography will be at the heart of Hall 4 with the Hemeria exhibition, which immerses visitors in the intimacy of whales.
The Sea to be preserved (Hall 2)
The sea is fragile and human activity generates countless forms of pollution with dramatic consequences. It is time to generate awareness, so that prevention and action actions can have an even greater impact.
The educational, scientific and archaeological exhibition of Expéditions Med covers 200 m² of the invasion of waste into the seas and oceans of the world and presents solutions to prevent it. Surfrider Foundation offers an awareness immersion through virtual reality as well as Do It Yourself workshops.
In this hall, also discover the Manta, a plastic recovery boat project, embark in virtual reality on board the trimaran Macif, enter Finistère, discover a coral nursery or even participate in a game of collecting fake waste.
Maritime treasures and abyss (Hall 4)
In Hall 4, we are interested in the abyss, the seabed located at a depth of more than 3?000 m. Discover the exploration gear and technologies, admire the dances of a family of sperm whales in Mauritius, discover the mechanical pirate fish (Island Machine) and learn to dive through a first dive indoors or in a mobile pit outdoors.
The Sea is Our Future (Grand Palais level 2 and Hall XXL)
Marine molecules contain promising solutions in the field of health or biofuels. On the food side, the aquatic flora is full of proteins, allowing us to limit over-consumption of meat in the long term.
Stroll through the exhibition dedicated to plankton and algae and then discover the marina of the future. The various actors in the sector will present jobs in the sea trades and new opportunities in the maritime sector. Finally, the Tara Ocean Foundation will share its explorations, you can take theoretical navigation courses and learn to sail on a pool.
La Mer XXL (Hall 3 and Terrace E)
This space reserved for children allows them to understand, love and protect it. Here, educational animations are specially developed for them: virtual reality, 3D discovery, exhibitions, board games, animations...
Photo credits: Romain88
