Tintin, an exhibition in immersive mode at the Atelier des Lumières

This visual and sound show allows you to follow the adventures of the famous reporter with a puff from the imagination of the Belgian cartoonist. Herge. Young and old, from 7 to 77 years old, can (re)immerse themselves in the universe of one of the greatest comic book authors of the 20th century.

► Guided tour in pictures.

For several years now, immersive exhibitions have been expanding the cultural offer around the world by offering new formats of discovery. Since its opening in April 2018, the Atelier des Lumières has become an essential place for this type of event. Its director is Jacques de Tarragon.

RFI : How can we define the Atelier des Lumières in a few words?

James of Tarragon : It is a digital art center that has been around for just over four years and is dedicated to immersive exhibitions. Most are devoted to the great painters. The first exhibition was dedicated to the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. But we make some escapades on the side of the photo for example or the comic strip as it is the case at the moment. We are located in a former foundry in the heart of the 11th arrondissement, in the center of Paris. It is a very large space where visitors are completely immersed in the image and the music, thanks to floor-to-ceiling projections in very large format and very high definition.

Immersive exhibitions are increasingly on the rise, especially among young people. Does this dispense with going to a traditional museum?

No, it’s a new prism, we simply propose another way, complementary to that of museums. The immersive exhibitions allow a playful first contact. The viewer is in contemplation, in a sensory experience. This format also has the advantage of addressing all audiences, all generations. But it is often the starting point for a deeper interest. We often come across visitors who tell us that they have seen the works of such and such an artist at home and have taken a ticket to better discover their work at the museum. When the immersive can communicate with the traditional, the bet is won.

Are immersive exhibitions successful abroad as well?

Without a doubt. The success of the Atelier des Lumières has also encouraged us to develop internationally. We opened a site in Amsterdam and New York recently. It is true that this is a sector where there is competition. To create quality exhibitions. Above all, you need robust installations that allow you to work over the long term.

The Adventures of Tintin fits perfectly with this immersive experience. How do you explain it ?

Many scenes lend themselves in a remarkable way to the exercise of immersion. With Tintin, we go under the sea, into space, we cross the great plains of the United States, in short, all of this is perfectly appropriate for the Immersive adventure. A Tintin expert will find it very complete and a neophyte will fully understand what the world of the famous reporter created by Hergé is made of.

►Also to listen: You will tell me about it – Tintin à la carte!

How did you work for this Tintin exhibition ?

We started from the original plates of the 24 albums and declined the exhibition in eight chapters: Tintin the adventurer, friends and loyal companions of Tintin, his enemies too, the theme of travel, etc. It took more than six months of work.

The soundtrack is composed of Anglo-Saxon music from the 60s and 70s. Why this choice ?

Tintin’s heirs suggested that we take inspiration from Hergé’s discotheque. We found the Beatles, David Bowie, Iggy Pop among others. All of this music lends itself perfectly to the visual world of Tintin. We have also worked hand in hand with the rights holders, they have been our ” scientific guarantee “.

►Also read: A drawing of Tintin sold at auction for a record amount