2023-09-16 17:02:47
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On the occasion of the 39th edition of European Heritage Days, a most unusual place is opening to the public. Did you know that under the Hôtel du Département de la Seine-Maritime there was an anti-atomic bunker built during the Cold War? Guided tour of this incredible exhibition with, as a bonus, an escape game.
France Télévisions – Culture Editorial
Published on 09/16/2023 5:02 p.m.
Reading time: 2 min Visit the anti-atomic bunker in Rouen open for Heritage Days (France 3)
Dive into the history of the Hotel du Département de la Seine-Maritime, this symbolic place of the reconstruction of Rouen. But don’t be fooled by appearances. A few meters below the level of the Seine, in the depths of the department hotel hides a most unusual historical monument. Behind armored doors, an anti-atomic shelter was built under the old prefecture in 1963.
While the Berlin blockade fueled tensions between the two blocs and the Soviets threatened the United States with their missiles in 1961, the Cold War marked the start of the arms race. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are still on everyone’s minds. This 690 square meter bunker could accommodate up to 250 people in a large command room and dormitories had been designed in the event of a nuclear attack to continue state services.
“Here we are in the command room. The idea was that the prefect could bring together his teams and give his instructions.” explains Anne-Sophie Rouland, the person in charge of visits to the Hôtel du Département.
France 3 Normandy A. Rombhot / B. Belamri / C. Charbonnier
Everything remains as it was, as it was then.
The architects worked in close liaison with the Ministry of Defense. 1400m2 are built on two levels. The space is very rudimentary but was designed to have 15 days of autonomy with four bicycles, two used to renew the air in this completely enclosed place. “The other two were attached to dynamos which provided electricity. The goal was for the 450 people to cycle in turns“, specifies Anne-Sophie Rouland.
From the time, there also remain these telephones provided in the event of an alert. But no one ever needed to use it. Although this bunker could protect against bombing, in reality it was not impervious to radiation.
Bunker 76, the escape room to witness history
This year, to even better bring the places to life, a puzzle game was installed on the occasion of these new Heritage Days. Titled “Bunker 76 – Out of Breath“, this escape game plunges the public into the middle of the Cold War when an order for a chemical attack against the enemy is accidentally activated by the Allied forces.
Air battles take place over Rouen and crash near the prefecture, releasing the chemical weapon into the city. Each intervention group is urgently sent to bring the prefect to safety in the bunker. The opportunity to live a unique immersive experience in the fallout shelter. The escape game will be continued from next spring.
Escape game Bunker 76 – Out of breath
September 15 – 17
Hotel of the Department of Seine-Maritime – Departmental Council.
From 12 years old, 3 to 5 players per slot
Duration 1 hour
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