Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Les Machines de l’île is a totally new artistic project. Born from the imagination of François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, it is situated halfway between the "invented worlds" of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci and the industrial history of Nantes, in the exceptional location of the old shipyards.

Amazing machines have come to populate the Île de Nantes. These unusual machines are born from the hands of the builders of the La Machine company and come to life among the other Machines de l’île, in public view. Their comings and goings between the construction shop and the Galerie propel movement in the heart of the ancient Dubigeon ships, giving this island a mysterious reality, as in those days when ships were launched for all the voyages of the world.

Show creation process

Both designers have also opted to show the integrity of the creation process, from the first designs of François Delarozière. The materials are raw and the mechanisms apparent. The gestures of the builders are visible in all the sculptures, made of steel or wood. The vision of the La Machine company workshop complements this unpublished visit-show with a playful and pedagogical dimension.

A story told by the machinists

The machinists are at the service of the Machines, which they will set in motion and give life, while recounting their operation and history. The visit-show is accompanied by this awakening of the Machines that transform into animals or monsters.

For this reason, the universe of Machines is suitable for all generations and is perfectly adapted to family and group outings. There is no separation between the world of adults and that of children. Parents are not just companions, concerned with pleasing their children; They share their journey and, behind the animal, discover the machine in motion.