- The coronavirus epidemic and containment forced the Boulogne-sur-Mer sea museum in Pas-de-Calais to close on March 14.
- The reopening of the first paid cultural site in Hauts-de-France is scheduled for Thursday, in a delicate economic context.
- The site fears a loss of 500,000 visitors this year.
After the death of hammerhead sharks a year ago, the Nausicaá center is facing a new crisis. The epidemic of coronavirus and containment forced the museum of the sea of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in Pas-de-Calais, to close its doors on March 14, like many other places. The reopening of this emblematic tourist site is scheduled for Thursday, but with free-diving cash.
In a statement, the management of Nausicaá estimates that "according to current forecasts, approximately 500,000 visitors will not be able to benefit from the discovery of the center over the whole of 2020". This could mean around 10 million lost sales and "an extremely complex economic situation".
Heavy investments
Especially since in recent years, the center has made heavy investments, especially to build its giant aquarium. With 870,000 visitors a year, Nausicaá is by far the most visited cultural site in the region, ahead of the Louvre-Lens museum, but its financial situation is worrying.
"We are unable to predict what our financial result will be at the end of the year," admits Philippe Valette, director of the premises. In June, our audience is 70% of a school audience that we will not have, for example. There are a lot of hazards, but I hope that visitors will be there. "
Because for two and a half months of tourist inactivity, we had to take care of the animals. “Thirty employees took turns to take care of the 58,000 animals. The caretakers fed all the species every day. Especially since the family has grown by four little penguins born during confinement, ”he notes. And the promised state aid to zoos and circuses did not go to water the aquariums.
A gauge divided by three
"In any case, we are very happy to reopen", underlines Philippe Valette. Even if Nausicaá will only be able to accommodate 1,700 people simultaneously instead of its gauge authorized at 5,800 visitors. The opening of the site also remains subject to certain health measures such as the wearing of a mask. In addition, the purchase of tickets online will be preferred with a time-stamped reservation to better manage flows.
Last setback, the new exhibition, In the eye of the climate , on which management relies a lot to raise the bar, is a little late. It will only be visible from the end of July with, however, the promise of an unprecedented experience in an immersive room.
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