Events - Maestro enters the Musée Grévin: a celebration of education and imagination

By Mulder, Paris, Musée Grévin, 13 november 2024

On November 13, 2024, an exceptional evening was held at the Musée Grévin to inaugurate a new installation dedicated to Maestro, the iconic hero of the animated series Il était une fois.... Created by Albert Barillé in 1978, this wise-looking character with his long white beard has spanned the decades, educating and entertaining entire generations of viewers around the world. The ceremony brought together such iconic figures as Hélène Barillé, the series' producer for Procidis, Jean Barbaud, the characters' historic illustrator, and Stéphane Barret, the talented sculptor who brought the wax version of Maestro to life. Yves Delhommeau, General Manager of the Musée Grévin, was also on hand to underline the importance of this new immersive attraction, which goes far beyond a simple wax statue.

For almost 50 years, the Il était une fois... series has captivated young and old alike with edutainment adventures on a variety of themes, from the history of mankind (Il était une fois... l'Homme) to the exploration of the human body (Il était une fois... La Vie), via futuristic tales (Il était une fois... l'Espace). Through colorful characters like Maestro and Nabot, the series has succeeded in popularizing complex concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. The most recent installment, Il était une fois... Ces drôles d'objets, released in February 2024, continues this tradition by exploring the history of everyday objects. With this installation, the Musée Grévin celebrates not only the cultural heritage of this cult series, but also the legacy of Albert Barillé, a visionary of popular education.

The installation at the Musée Grévin is more than just a static sculpture. Maestro, represented in his famous cell control office, welcomes visitors for an interactive and immersive experience. The set, meticulously designed by Ateliers de Création de Grévin and CDA Développement, recreates the world of the series Il était une fois... La Vie. Through interactive technologies, visitors can explore the fascinating mechanisms of the human body and learn in a playful way, in the image of the pedagogy developed by the series. Maestro's interactive desk, designed by Ufacto, allows direct interaction with the installation, offering a captivating plunge into a world where science and entertainment meet.

Alongside Maestro, Nabot, the mischievous character embodying viruses and bacteria, adds a playful, humorous touch. This dynamic between Maestro, wise and benevolent, and Nabot, disruptive and mischievous, has always been at the heart of the series' educational approach. The sculpture of these characters, created by Stéphane Barret from the original drawings by Jean Barbaud, reflects a concern for authenticity and fidelity to the original work. La Belle Enseigne, in charge of the scenic elements, and Sandra Maciak, responsible for the costumes, also contributed to creating an immersive and realistic environment.

Since its creation in 1882, the Musée Grévin has become a Paris landmark, welcoming millions of visitors curious to discover the personalities who marked their era. With Maestro, the Grévin adds a new dimension to its collection, joining such iconic figures as Asterix, the Little Prince and the characters from Miraculous and Pat' Patrouille. This choice reflects the museum's ambition to keep in step with the expectations of today's generations, while paying tribute to timeless figures of popular culture.

The inauguration ceremony also provided a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this unique installation. A film directed by Mathieu Spadaro retraced the various stages of conception, from Stéphane Barret's modeling of the sculpture to the installation of the interactive set. Visitors can learn about the meticulous process behind the creation of wax statues, an art that combines innovation and tradition.

By integrating Maestro into its world, the Musée Grévin celebrates a character who embodies the very essence of education through entertainment. Through this installation, young and old alike can rediscover history, science and culture in a playful and immersive way. This initiative also illustrates the Grévin's ability to reinvent itself by offering captivating experiences adapted to all ages.

Maestro, the emblematic figure of French animation, continues to inspire and educate entire generations, while paying tribute to Albert Barillé and his dream of democratizing knowledge. This installation at the Musée Grévin marks a new stage in the history of this emblematic place, where heritage, innovation and popular culture meet to the delight of its visitors. A vibrant tribute to a character who, for almost five decades, has embodied curiosity, learning and imagination.

Photos: Joelle Pinglot

(Source: press release)