“To make key works accessible to the greatest number and to ensure the broadest audience for our cultural heritage,” was the wish of André Malraux appointed Minister of Cultural Affairs in 1959. Fifty years later and for its 26th edition taking place from September 19 to 20, 2009, the Heritage Days are focused on accessibility for all. “The objective is to make patrimonial and historical culture accessible to a large majority of French people,” confides Hélène Barge from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Aix-en-Provence. These Heritage Days were initiated by Jack Lang, former Minister of culture. Let’s remember that the 39,000 historical and listed monuments contribute to France’s wealth. They also enable economic development, as France is one of the most touristic countries in the world. These two days are aimed at both people far from the cultural offer (financial, cultural constraints, etc.) and people with disabilities. “In 2008, one day was entirely dedicated to people with disabilities,” recalls Hélène Barge. That year, the reception in heritage centers was specifically adapted to the nature of the disability: physical, auditory, visual, or mental. In 2009, to support a specific public excluded from culture, the supervisory Ministry took measures, particularly with the Plan Espoir Banlieues. Initiated in 2008 by Fadela Amara, Secretary of State responsible for Urban Policy, this Plan’s main objective is to provide equal opportunities in transport, education, security, and social areas. Heritage Days, therefore, aim to offer “excellence” culture.
Heritage Days in Nice
During this 26th edition, the city of Nice will introduce novelties to promote and highlight the wealth of the Nice heritage. For the first time in 2009, the Municipal Council of City Hall opens its doors to the public. The people of Nice will have the opportunity to attend seven conferences on Saturday, September 19, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Also, during these two extraordinary days, exceptional sites that contribute to the wealth of Nice’s heritage will be freely accessible to the public. Among them, you can discover the Palais des Rois Sardes, the Montgros Astronomy Observatory, or the Nice Opera. And since these Heritage Days are all about accessibility for all, unique circuits* will be reserved for people with disabilities of any kind, particularly on the Promenade des Anglais, in Old Nice, or on Castle Hill where you can put “your hands in history.” However, of the forty or so sites and monuments present in Nice, only 7 are accessible to people with a disability…
