Musee de Plein Air (Open Air Museum), Lille

The Open Air Museum (Musée de Plein Air), located in Villeneuve d'Ascq near Lille, serves as a living testament to the rich rural architectural heritage of the Hauts de France region. Nestled in the scenic Val de Marque, the museum covers a vast area of fourteen hectares and is dedicated to preserving the traditional rural architecture spanning the 17th to 19th centuries.

At the core of the museum’s mission is the preservation of about twenty historical buildings which have been meticulously relocated and reconstructed on-site to avoid demolition. These buildings include a diverse array of structures such as thatched cottages, barns, sheepfolds, and forges, each representing different regional styles from Artois, Flanders, Picardy, and Hainaut. The buildings are constructed from traditional materials like half-timbering, brick, and cob, and are complemented by thatch or purlin roofs.

The museum is more than a collection of buildings; it is a dynamic space where traditional crafts are actively maintained by skilled artisans. These craftsmen and women, including stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters, and puppet creators, contribute to the living museum by practicing and demonstrating their trades just as they were performed in past centuries.

Furthermore, the museum is home to a collection of regional domestic animals, many from breeds that are now considered endangered. This includes giant rabbits from Flanders, Boulogne sheep, and Flemish geese, adding an authentic touch to the recreated rural environment.

As a space for promoting and educating the public about rural vernacular heritage, the Open Air Museum serves multiple functions. It is not only a museum but also a venue for research, training, and meetings for those involved in building and preserving historical constructions. Its lush settings, complete with gardens, hedges, ponds, and paths, recreate the feel of a traditional village, making it a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural preservation.