Vulcania
| Slogan | The Adventure of the Earth |
|---|---|
| Location | Route de Mazayes, Saint-Ours-Les-Roches, France |
| Theme | Volcano |
| Owner | Regional Council of Auvergne |
| Operating season | All year round |
| Visitors per annum | Approx. 350,000 |
| Website | www.vulcania.com |
Vulcania, the "European Park of Volcanism", is an educational Amusement park and museum with a volcano theme. Situated in Saint-Ours-les-Roches, Auvergne, France, 15km north-west of Clermont-Ferrand, it was officially inaugurated in 2002.
The project was the brainchild of French volcanologist, Maurice Krafft, who died at Mount Unzen in 1991. Krafft and his work had a great impact on the former President of France, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who pushed for the construction of the park while he was president of the regional council of Auvergne.
The project has faced criticism from its very inception, the strong involvement of the former president added a political dimension to the economic, technical and environmental issues. From an environmental perspective the construction of Vulcania in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys met strong opposition from conservationists. Contrary to this argument, the land had hydrocarbon deposits as the site was formerly owned by the military, therefore the project rehabilitated the land.
Another strong criticism emerged due to the financial losses faced from the over-estimated amount of visitors. In 2004 the park was operating with a deficit of €1.707 million.
The architect behind the design of the park was Pritzker Prize-winning, Austrian Hans Hollein. Three-quarters of the foundations are sunk underground, which aided in the rehabilitation of the land. Visitors approach a 'metaphorical Volcano' by descending down a ramp towards a cone shaped structure clad in dark stone and lined on the inside with a gold metal.
The design incorporates research and conference facilities, large IMAX theaters, green houses to highlight the positive effects of volcanism — fertility — and a restaurant with views out to the whole nature park. The site is secluded and is also utilised for recreation and hiking.
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