The song of the waves

Mermaids and castles...

Dive into the heart of the aquatic world its legendary creatures ! This exhibition is designed for for the whole family, with its visual and sound atmospheres.

From mermaids to Mélusine, you'll meet iconic female figures in many shapes and forms, who have stood the test of time and haunted people's minds.

Alongside Mélusine, the fairy builder from medieval legends who secretly transformed herself while bathing, a number of " water spirits " are summoned, in a presentation based on major references from literature and the arts.

A symbolic history

The exhibition features a range of contemporary installations and collectors' items, telling the story of these water creatures from the Homeric myth of the bird-woman to the more Romantic and Symbolist versions inspired by Gérard de Nerval and André Breton

Around Mélusine, the great mythical figures linked to the theme of water will emerge: nymphs from Antiquity, mermaids from myths and fairy tales, undines from the German Romantic imagination, russalki from Slavic legends, as well as the figure of Ophelia that so fascinated Symbolist artists.

These hybrid beings are eternal muses, eternal sources of fascination, whether they be doomsayers, nurturers or symbols of impossible love.

The Burgundy version of a touring exhibition

After the Musée Benoît-de-Puydt in Bailleul, the Château de Puyguilhem, the Château de Pierrefonds, the Towers of La Rochelle, the Château de Carrouges and the Château d’Angers National Estate, it's the turn of the Château de Bussy-Rabutin now hosts this touring exhibition from the Centre des monuments nationaux.

These fantastic creatures echo the décor of the château, with mermaids and nymphs adorning the walls and grounds, while the story of Mélusine echoes that of Count Roger de Bussy-Rabutin and his mistress Madame de Montglas...

A variety of events will be organised throughout the exhibition:

• The Dance of Waves : follow the EViDanse dance troupe on a dreamlike stroll on 18 October at 2.15pm and 3.30pm.
• Monument Jeu d'enfant : Sirens under bells on 18 and 19 October at 10am and 2.30pm
• Treasure hunt: Sirens and Co.! 18, 19, 22 and 29 October and 6 December
• Christmas in Mermaidland: discover the Christmas decor created by designer Benoit Duvergé throughout December!
• "Mermaids Under Glass" Christmas Workshop: 13 and 20 December at 10am and 2.30pm

Booking is recommended.