©XTU/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
With national wine day taking place earlier this week, it seems like the perfect time to announce the opening of a theme park that adults around the world thought would only ever exist in their dreams. “La Cite du Vin“, or “The City of Wine“, is a mix between a theme park and a museum , which is opening on June 1st, in the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux, France.
The new attraction is unique in many ways, from its architecture, to its exhibitions, to the offerings inside. We’ve got some preview photos, so let’s all have a look…
©XTU/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
Situated in the Docklands District on the Garonne River, Arriving at La Cité du Vin, visitors encounter a new sculptural 55 meter tower made of curved glass, a collaboration by Parisian architects XTU and English museum design experts Casson Mann.
The building has been designed to mimic the appearance of Bordeaux stone and symbolize the swirl of wine in a glass and grapes on a vine. As the light changes throughout the day, so does the appearance of the building.
©XTU/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
Once inside, you’ll find a number of rooms each created for various activities and designed in a way that sets each one apart from the others. On the top floor, you can experience a 360 degree view of Bordeaux while standing beneath a chandelier made of thousands of wine bottles.
©XTU/Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
Once you’ve finished gawking at the architecture of the building, start making your way through the 19 permanent modules, interactive attractions and passive experiences.
©XTU/Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
Ranging from a simulated boat ride, to offsite tours of wineries, to a number of tasting stations, each of the themed areas that make up La Cite du Vin contribute to the uniqueness of the attraction.
©XTU/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
In addition to the permanent stations, each year the the park/museum will host 3 temporary exhibitions aimed at introducing audiences to an even wider array of information and experiences, making each visit different than the last.
©XTU/Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
If you’re thinking this is only a place for adults to enjoy, you’ll be surprised to hear that children are welcome on the tours and are encouraged to participate in a program designed specifically for them. Parts of the program include games, educational workshops, and a number of sensory experiences.
©XTU/Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
©Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
©XTU/Casson Mann/ANAKA/La Cité du Vin
However, this museum might serve as a great opportunity for parents to hire a babysitter and have an “educational” night out.
