Events - Musée Grévin: Maestro, the wise man from Il était une fois..., at the heart of a new experience

By Mulder, 07 november 2024

On November 14, the Musée Grévin will open a new chapter in its rich history by welcoming one of the most emblematic characters in French animation: Maestro, the benevolent hero of the famous series Il était une fois... La Vi. Created in 1978 by Albert Barillé, Maestro and his edutainment adventures have lulled the childhoods of entire generations, from children to adults. This new project is much more than a simple wax sculpture; it's an immersive, interactive experience that promises visitors a plunge into the fascinating world of the cult series.

Once upon a time... is not a series like any other. It's a veritable institution of educational culture, captivating audiences in over 100 countries and translated into 80 languages. The saga is made up of several variations, each exploring a particular field, from the history of mankind in Once upon a time... Man, to the cosmic future in Once upon a time... Space, to the exploration of the human body in Once upon a time... Life. Since its creation, the series has evolved to adapt to new social issues, without ever losing its essence. The most recent installment, Il était une fois... Ces drôles d'objets, released in February 2024, offers a playful reflection on the history of everyday objects, continuing the dream of Albert Barillé, who passed away fifteen years ago, to make education accessible and captivating.

In this new immersive installation, Maestro, with his long white beard and wise countenance, greets visitors from his cellular control desk. In the Il était une fois... La Vie series, Maestro is the guide and narrator of a fascinating journey to the heart of the human body, where each cell and organ is personified to illustrate the body's complex mechanisms in a simple and accessible way. Maestro's role as a kind-hearted guide has made him a benchmark figure for generations, making science and history accessible and captivating.

At his side is Nabot, the cunning and often mischievous character who represents the body's disruptive elements, embodying viruses and bacteria. The dynamic between Maestro and Nabot adds a playful, educational dimension that allows youngsters to understand scientific concepts while having fun. This opposition between benevolence and mischief, between knowledge and disruption, has enabled the series to become a model of entertaining education.

To bring this immersive experience to life, the Musée Grévin has teamed up with Procidis, the production company founded by Albert Barillé, which continues to bring the saga's universe to life. The sculptures of Maestro and Nabot were created by talented sculptor Stéphane Barret, based on original drawings by Jean Barbaud, the characters' historical illustrator. This close collaboration required several months' work under the supervision of the Ateliers de création de Grévin and CDA Développement teams.

The décor, inspired by both the world of the series and the actual Grévin workshops, was carefully designed to transport visitors into a world where pedagogy and technology meet. Ufacto designed Maestro's interactive desk, a veritable control center allowing visitors to interact with the set, while La Belle Enseigne was responsible for building the scenic elements. In addition, Sandra Maciak made the costumes for the characters, adding a touch of realism to this faithful reproduction. Finally, a film directed by Mathieu Spadaro retraces the stages in the creation of this sculpture, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of a wax figure.

Maestro's installation at the Musée Grévin underlines the institution's ability to constantly reinvent itself to  surprise and delight visitors of all ages. Since its creation in 1882, the Grévin has become much more than just a wax museum; it is a place of immersive and captivating experiences that attracts over 900,000 visitors every year. This success is due to its ability to offer dynamic programming and regularly enrich its collections with emblematic figures. Maestro joins such mythical figures as Asterix and Obelix, The Little Prince, and the contemporary characters of Pat' Patrol and Miraculous, heroes who speak to young and old alike.

The Musée Grévin doesn't stop there, offering unique events throughout the year. These include candlelit concerts organized in collaboration with Fever, classical concerts produced by Philippe Maillard, and even a nocturnal immersive experience: La Nuit au Musée. One Saturday a month, Grévin opens its doors in the evening for a visit animated by actors and dancers, where light and sound transform the premises to offer a different, magical and unique perspective. These events give visitors the opportunity to rediscover the museum from a new angle.

By integrating Maestro into its ranks, the Musée Grévin celebrates a character who left his mark on the history of popular education. Thanks to him, generations of children have been able to approach subjects as complex as cell function, organic systems and historical discoveries in an accessible and engaging way. Maestro embodies the very essence of education through entertainment, an approach that continues to inspire educational programs around the world.

Maestro's integration into the Musée Grévin is a reminder of how enriching and fun education can be. With this new installation, Grévin and Procidis offer a unique experience, where every visitor, young or old, can rediscover history and science in a playful way, in tribute to a timeless saga that continues to transmit its passion for knowledge.

(Source : press release)