On Tuesday, September 29, Sylvanès Abbey celebrated the inauguration of its new reception building, the result of a contemporary architectural project designed to blend harmoniously with its exceptional heritage environment. This new facility, built in less than two years, aims to improve visitor reception, support cultural projects, and provide better working conditions for the teams.
Architect Romain Orth from Antoine Dufour Architectes and scenographer Iris Jasson from Arc-en-Scène presented the project, highlighting the dialogue between ancient stone and contemporary architecture. Present dignitaries, including Michel Wolkowitsky (Director of the Cultural Centre), Marc Daniel (Deputy Director of DRAC Occitanie), Carole Delga (President of the Occitanie Region), and Arnaud Viala (President of the Department of Aveyron), praised the quality of the work, the use of regional materials, and the expertise of local artisans.
This inauguration is part of the Abbey's history, which began 50 years ago with its restoration. The association's president, Gabriel Camus, recalled the association's financial commitment and paid tribute to the contributors of this collective project, emphasizing that the building is 'the sum of 50 years of individual fidelities'.
The new building will enable the Cultural Encounter Centre to develop its missions: reception, heritage enhancement, music festival, artistic education, and creation residencies. It aims to make the Abbey a place of creation, transmission, and encounter, essential for territorial dynamism, especially in rural areas.
“"Culture is not a luxury. It is the foundation of our freedom, the cement of our social cohesion, the vector of a shared identity and indispensable territorial dynamism, particularly in our rural areas."
