Fort Pompelle in Reims, France, has been closed as restoration work takes place in preparation for the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 2014.
The fort was closed on the 2nd December 2013 and is scheduled to reopen in June 2014.
The fort was built in 1883 and played an important part in the defence of Reims during the First World War, and is notable for its role in the First and Second Battles of the Marne, as well as playing host to units from the Russian Expeditionary Force.
The City of Reims announced that architect and designer Christophe Lab will “modernise” the museum site in the fortress. The exhibition space is expected to double in size, with new interactive displays and aesthetic redevelopment taking place.
The City of Reims has stated that it aims to triple the annual number of visitors to Fort Pompelle, which currently stands at 12,000 per year, as a result of the restoration.
Source: City of Reims website
Images courtesy of the City of Reims website
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News