Path for young visitors (6-11 years old)
A space dedicated to young people (6-11 years old) allows the visitor to become aware of the theme of the temporary exhibition devoted to the palaces of the American Corsicans. The subject is approached from an educational and interactive angle. A variety of manipulations, observations and games are proposed in order to follow the paths of the Corsicans who left for the Americas. Their double culture and the links they kept with their native village are evoked as well as the construction of palazzi, symbols of social success.
Leaving… for the adventure
In the frame of a window of the palazzu, a screen invites the children to settle down to watch L’Americani, a let’s play video that guides the spectator on the path taken by these Corsicans who dared to cross the Cape.
L’Americani
Animated film, 4 minutes
Production: Territorial Collectivity of Corsica
Museum of Corsica-Jean-Charles Colonna
Executive production : C’est magnifique
There and here
As he passes through the front door, the child goes from a reduced scale facade where he feels “big” to the interior of a house, almost on a real scale. Antique furniture, frames with moldings, curtains of yesteryear, painted ceiling…, children are immersed in snippets of stories, memories, within a family that shares life in Corsica and Puerto Rico. A back and forth between the society of origin and the society of installation through geographical and cultural landmarks, social exchanges and characteristics of the different places of life, which shows that a migratory journey causes a reconfiguration of identity and a double cultural belonging. The furniture installed in the house hides interactive devices intended to put the child in an active posture, in the place of a Corsican in the 19th century:
● From one island to another, between two identities
The planisphere map background places the two islands and suggests the hard crossing. Among the flags linked to the main destinations of the migratory waves: that of Puerto Rico.
● Making the right choice for the future
Large illustrated dominoes offer different scenarios that weave together as the journey unfolds and the players make choices. Several outcomes are possible, as if to remind us that among all the Corsicans who left for the Americas, not all made…. fortune!
● Between the two the heart swings
Open the drawers of the dresser as in a cabinet of curiosity to reveal, through scenes of everyday life in Corsica and Puerto Rico, the dual cultural belonging of the Corsicans of America.
● In rhythms
In a small corner of the house is the gramophone and a cabinet that reveals traditional Corsican and Puerto Rican costumes. With each musical extract chosen by the child, one of the costumes lights up to indicate its origin. Between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
● Always keep the connection
On a desk is a handwritten letter sent from Puerto Rico to family in Corsica. The Americans are interested in their village life and family affairs, they maintain a regular correspondence.
Traces of the return
● The palaces of Americans, a sign of success
These mansions, built in the 19th century, when the Americans returned to Corsica symbolize their success. Inspired by Tuscan neoclassical architecture, the most imposing ones often occupy a plot of land, away from or on the edge of the village, on the heights to benefit from a breathtaking view. The gardens, which are very elegantly laid out, form a whole with the houses. A realization of the Archivo de Arquitectura y Construcción and of the School of Architecture of the University of Puerto Rico allows to observe in 360° examples of palazzi. A few pages from the comic book Grui – Razorbacu, Sorlin, Corsica Comix Edition (2016) show that the myth of the wealthy American Corsican is still alive.
● A generous nature
A small nod to the slaves of Puerto Rico, to the work of the land to the gardeners of the rich Corsicans returned from the Americas, the garden transports visitors to the crops that have enriched the Corsicans but also to the parks that adorn the palazzi.
Discover, smell, touch.
Project manager : Ann Bilger-Depoorter, in charge of cultural mediation – Museum of Corsica.
Scenography :
Inclusit design
Graphic design :
Costanza Matteucci
Scenography realization :
Alex Cobas
Animation film :
C’est magnifique
Translations in Corsican : Adecec / in English : Adeo
