Malbrouck Castle — Ladies’ Tower

Moselle Department Manderen-Ritzing

Built in the first half of the 15th century by Count Arnold VI of Sierck, Malbrouck Castle is one of the Moselle region’s most iconic historic monuments, having been restored between 1989 and 1998 following several decades of neglect. Listed as a historic monument since 1930 and owned by the Moselle Department since 1975, it lies at the heart of a European region, 10 km from Schengen, on the borders with Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Following on from an initial dramatised historical tour created in the ceremonial hall, the Moselle Department commissioned Anamnesia to design and create a second educational space, housed in the Ladies’ Tower. This second phase marks a shift in focus: the space is no longer dedicated to historical narration, but to the interpretation of medieval architecture and the skills involved in the restoration of built heritage.

Find out more: http://www.chateau-malbrouck.com

The exhibition layout:

A guide character to lead visitors: as in the ceremonial hall, a guide character welcomes and directs visitors as soon as they enter the Ladies’ Tower. They introduce the themes, set the tone and encourage the public to engage with the exhibits.

Touchscreen multimedia terminals: several interactive terminals allow for exploration either individually or in small groups (2 to 3 people):

• Viewing maps and archaeological excavation sites
• Interacting with 3D models of objects and architectural details
• Exploring the castle from different angles via an interactive map: by touching a point, visitors can access the history of that part of the building, the materials used and the changes made over time
• A fun interactive feature allows visitors to step into the shoes of a medieval builder or lord, making decisions about the castle’s construction or defence

Models and reconstructions — touch to understand: at the heart of a space dedicated to medieval architecture, three build-it-yourself models play a central and educational role:

• The roof structure — to understand the principles of timber construction
• The ribbed vault — to visualise the logic of the Gothic vault
• The keystone — to grasp the principle of the arch’s keystone

These models, made of wood, stone or resin, are interactive displays suitable for visitors of all ages, from the youngest to the most experienced. They form part of a wider series of reconstructions showing the castle at different stages: its original state in the Middle Ages, the phases of deterioration, and then the post-restoration period.

A children’s trail: a dedicated mascot accompanies young visitors throughout their exploration of the Ladies’ Tower. It makes the concepts of architecture and restoration accessible through a playful and curious perspective, and encourages children to engage with the interactive displays.

A graphic interpretation trail: graphic panels structure and punctuate the route, providing context for the digital displays and models. They form a coherent whole, designed to complement both self-guided and guided tours.