In the heart of the renowned Champagne region in France, a captivating narrative unfolds within the walls of the Maison Pommery. Enter Pressoria – Centre d’interprétation sensorielle des vins de Champagne, an exceptional sensory voyage that immerses visitors in the enigmatic world of champagne production. Crafted by the visionary minds at Casson Mann, under the lead of Gary Shelley, and nestled within the historical charm of Aÿ-Champagne, this museum is a fusion of heritage, innovation, and poetic storytelling.
A Journey Beyond Flutes
Pressoria is a masterpiece of design, an intricate dance between history and modernity that beckons visitors to delve beyond the surface of a champagne flute. The visionary team at Casson Mann has ingeniously sculpted an immersive scenographic journey that invites guests to “unlock the secrets hidden within every flute”. Every sip becomes a gateway to a mesmerizing blend of geological forces, cultural traditions, and elemental ingredients.
A Tale Unveiled Within UNESCO Walls
Housed within the storied walls of the Maison Pommery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Pressoria pays homage to the origins of champagne production while embracing contemporary design concepts. The restoration of the pressoir to its original location preserves the authenticity of the Maison Pommery, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.
As visitors step into this captivating realm, they encounter a textured, scented piece of chalk, a geological icon that communicates the essence of Champagne’s terroir. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, showcasing the elemental foundation of this cherished beverage.
Interactivity and Immersion
Pressoria is more than just a museum; it is an interactive playground of knowledge and wonder. Playful installations captivate the young and young-at-heart, including digital roots that whimsically catch the feet of children, while evoking the very essence of the vineyard. As the air is suffused with the enchanting aroma of champagne, the connection to the craft deepens.
Cinematic Elation: Bubbles as Art
The pinnacle of the Pressoria experience is the interactive, walk-in cinema—a celebration of ‘bubbles’ as a transcendent expression of the essence of champagne. Here, visitors are swept away by the visual and auditory symphony of champagne’s effervescence, a manifestation of joy and the artistry of craftsmanship.
A Legacy Enshrined in Design
The architects at Atelier Philéas, alongside the interior design prowess of Casson Mann, have seamlessly woven history and creativity, paying homage to the roots of Maison Pommery while ushering it into a new era. The result is a harmonious blend of heritage and innovation, where every corner whispers stories of the past while embracing the future.
Pressoria – Centre d’interprétation sensorielle des vins de Champagne is a tribute to the remarkable journey of this iconic beverage. Through skillful design and masterful storytelling, it transcends the boundaries of a museum and becomes a vessel for enlightenment, celebration, and sensory elation. As guests depart, they carry with them not just knowledge but an experience that forever changes their perception of champagne—one of the finest legacies of French culture, brought to life in the heart of Aÿ-Champagne.