Musée du Bocage Normand, Ferme du Bois Jugan

The Ferme du Bois Jugan, a 17th-century architectural ensemble, houses the Musée du Bocage Normand and presents the evolution of agricultural practices in the Vire Valley of Normandy. The heritage building renovation includes the restoration of the site, the creation of a new entrance building and the design of storage facilities, while respecting the heritage fabric as well as the surrounding “bocage” — a terrain of mixed woodland and pasture. The historic building conversion introduces a contemporary, interactive and accessible reading of the Normandy bocage.

The transformation of the historic farm into a museum requires careful rehabilitation, which preserves the rural character of the site, while introducing a clear contemporary identity and spatial organization. The museum architect conceived a new entrance building, while its fully glazed envelope expresses a contemporary architectural language, emphasising transparency and revealing the activity within. The heritage building renovation brings together ticketing, cloakroom, sanitary facilities and bookshop. It directs visitors towards the permanent exhibition building.

The original architecture of the former barn is carefully preserved. Foundations, stone structure and timber frame are consolidated. Both interior and exterior façades are restored. The heritage building renovation creates independent structures, detached from the existing walls, to preserve the integrity of the original volume. The museum architect improved circulation through an external glazed lift and new walkways, offering unique viewpoints over the exhibition layout and displays.

The history of the Normandy bocage and its evolution of agricultural, craft and rural techniques are presented through a selection of 500 objects. The museum holds a collection of 1,600 items. Objects are presented either in staged installations or through interactive media, including information points, screens and video projections. The museum also includes a non-public storage reserve that completes the overall programme.