- A Clear Ambition to Enlighten the Future
- Missions and Values
- The Future Heritage
- The Confluence Museum Staff and Services
- Interview with the Rhône Department President
- Interview with the Confluence Museum Director
- Interview with the President of the Corporate Patrons Club
- Confluence Museum’s Patrons Club Members
Michel Mercier responds to several questions
The Natural History Museum's collections have been transferred to the Confluence Museum, is that positive?
In France, a museum's collections are by definition inalienable. This means that once they are classified
in the museum's inventory, they are there indefinitely, and can not be sold or exchanged.
Therefore, all of the Museum's collections have become part of the Confluence Museum, which belongs to the Rhône Department.
Why was the Museum closed in July 2007?
The Museum was closed in July to enable the staff to dedicate 100% of their time and efforts to preparing exhibits and the equipment needed for the Confluence Museum, as well as imagining new ways of greeting the public, experiencing the museum, etc.
What is going to happen to the Boulevard des Belges facility?
The building is a historical monument and belongs to the city of Lyon. It can not be demolished, nor converted into housing. It will remain a public facility, available for the needs of the community. The Rhône Department, as well as the city of Lyon, is considering how to best use this building in the future.
When will the Museum open?
The grand opening is planned for late 2013.
How much will the construction cost?
The investment budget is
162 million euros before tax.
The Confluence Museum's total budget will be between 13 and 15 million euros per year (including salaries, maintenance, exhibits, cultural activities, communication and administrative cost) whereas the actual cost of operating the museum will be about 6.5 million euros.
Ticket sales and the revenue from rental of the facilities within the Confluence Museum will be significantly higher than the former Museum; this will offset some of the expenses.
Who is financing the project?
The Rhône Department is responsible for financing the project. The Rhône Alpes Region is participating; their investment is 10 million euros. The Confluence Museum is also raising private funds.
Who is managing the project?
The Rhône Department is managing the project; they have hired the SERL (Société d'Equipement du Rhône et de Lyon) to build the museum, the gardens and to ensure the facility is operational.
How big will the Museum be?
The museum will have
22,000 m², of which 6,500 will be dedicated to exhibitions, three times larger than the former Museum.
Will the Confluence Museum be overshadowed by other museums?
The Confluence Museum represents a new culture, complementary to other museums. The objective is not to compete with the other museums but to offer a different cultural perspective in the Rhône Department, attracting new visitors. This will be beneficial for everyone.
What is the role of the Confluence Museum's Corporate Patrons Club?
The Corporate Patrons Club was created early on; it was one of the initial ideas for the Confluence Museum. It is part of the desire of the Rhône Department to bring public institutions and the private sector together. This group will support the creation and the development of the Museum. Made up of 40 firms; the Corporate Patrons Club will maintain direct links with the economic community, support the development of projects and contribute to the spreading of a scientific culture.
If the Rhône Department is financing the majority of the Confluence Museum, why do you need private funding?
From the very beginning, the Rhône Department wanted the Museum to be a place where people are able to meet and exchange ideas; open not just to the local community, but to citizens of world; therefore the development of partnerships with businesses is a natural evolution. The Corporate Patrons Club is proof of the interest in this concept.
But the Rhône Department would like to further develop its partnership with the private sector. Based on the French law, passed on August 1st, 2003, which gives tax advantages to enterprises and to specific donors, the Department would like to establish a major fundraising campaign with the objective of raising 5 million euros.
The campaign committee is comprised of well known public figures, presidents of some of the largest French firms and institutions, who are experts in their sectors, such as the Atomic Energy Commission and the CNRS, Center for National Scientific Research.
I would like to once again express my appreciation to the Campaign Committee Co-Presidents, Mr. Bernard Bigot and Mr. Laurent Burelle, as well as to all the members who are engaged in supporting the development of the Confluence Museum.
