The Department of Cultural Affairs of Réunion and the libraries of the University of Réunion are pleased to offer you the exhibition:

Archaeologists through the lens
Series: The professions and tools of archaeologists
In collaboration with photographers Eliza and Luca Giussani

From September 1 to October 31, 2025
Saint-Denis Sciences University Library – Moufia Campus

As part of the exhibition “Archaeologists through the lens”:

CONFERENCES:

• Tuesday, September 16 from 16:00 p.m. to 17:30 p.m. : “Archaeology in the French territories of the Indian Ocean: functioning, initial assessment and perspectives (2010-2025)”.
  By Fabien Delrieu, Regional Curator of Archaeology at the Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Réunion.
  The conference will be followed by a friendly moment in the exhibition hall
• Tuesday, October 28 from 17:00 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. : “Glass archaeology in Reunion, the possibility of an island”
  by Laurence Serra, Doctor of Archaeology (Aix-Marseille University), specialist in medieval and modern glass.

Free entry – no reservation required

The exhibition

Archaeologists Through the Lens is a unique experience that immerses us in the fascinating world of archaeology. It is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Réunion, the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the talented photographers Eliza and Luca Giussani (www.dcvisuals.fr). This traveling exhibition is part of the preventive archaeological excavations prior to the transformation of the Villèle Museum (Saint-Paul) into a museum of habitation and slavery.

The photographs immerse the public in the intimate work of archaeologists and the behind-the-scenes of this scientific discipline. Through this artistic approach, they offer a unique perspective for exploring the history and archaeological heritage of the region, highlighting the actions and skills of the archaeologist.

Transformation of the Villèle Museum and Archaeology

Located on a former sugar estate that belonged to Mrs. Desbassayns, in the commune of Saint-Paul, the Villèle Historical Museum, whose buildings are listed as historic monuments, is the subject of a vast construction and redevelopment program at the instigation of the Departmental Council of La Réunion, owner of the premises.

This project will transform it into a museum of habitation and slavery, with the creation of a museum trail based on the architectural, archaeological, and landscape evidence of the site. This new direction will breathe new life into the museum and highlight the architectural, social, and historical singularities of the site. The choice of location for this ambitious program led by the Department is not random. This habitation (a vast property in the Creole sense of the term) has been an emblematic place on the island due to its influence and history since its creation. Since the completion of the master's house in 1788, the estate has continued to expand to achieve the ideal "dimensions" of a sugar plantation.

Before this new departure of the Museum, the most important preventive excavation prescribed for the overseas territories will take place between 2022 and 2024. Prescribed by the State, it is carried out by Inrap under the project management of the Department.

Exhibition visible from September 01 to October 31, 2025
Monday to Friday from 07:30 a.m. to 19 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 00 p.m.
Free admission