© Conseil Départemental de la Dordogne
© Conseil Départemental de la Dordogne
A Christmas present for the history buffs at Lascaux
The first complete replica of the Lascaux cave will open on 15th December 2016
A little later than expected but an exciting announcement none the less! Work progressing rapidly in the "Lascaux 4", the new replica of the prehistoric Lascaux cave.
The first complete replica of the Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site has been closed to the public since 1963 to preserve degradation of the 19,000 year old paintings. Opening its doors to the public on 15th December 2016 the new exhibition is located less than two kilometres from the original cave.
Initially, the Dordogne region has hoped for an opening before the busy summer months or around the All Saints holidays, however work on the site was delayed. By the end of 2016, Lascaux 4 will give the public the opportunity to visit a complete reproduction of the famous Lascaux cave. Reproduced at 100% full scale, and in every detail of the original cave, the centre will house 900 square metres of walls with reproductions that took three years to complete.
The overall project cost is 57 million, funded primarily by the Department and the Region (16.6 million each), European Union (12 million) and the State (4 million).
The inauguration of the building is expected to take place later in the presence of President François Hollande.
