Dungeon Of Vez 2026: Joan Of Arc And Edgar Sarin, When The Medieval Meets The Contemporary
The Vez Dungeon opens its 2026 season by playing the card of contrast: medieval stone and contemporary works face each other, for visits where one takes their time (and allows themselves to be surprised).
A season that communicates
For 2026, the Dungeon of Vez continues what it has been doing for over thirty years: reflecting medieval architecture and contemporary creation.
The opening of visits takes place on May 2, and the program combines historical tours and artistic proposals, a meeting designed to question memory and perspective, more than just a simple display of works.
The very location, between towers, ramparts, and gardens, becomes a setting where ancient stone dialogues with the modern.
Views on Joan of Arc
From May 2 to September 6, 2026, the exhibition explores the multiple faces of Joan of Arc: heroine, saint, warrior, martyr, political or spiritual symbol.
The journey extends through the chapel and several rooms of the Donjon. In the Buren room, illuminated by stained glass by Daniel Buren, sculptures from the 19th century from a private collection are displayed, including bronze, marble, and onyx, which present an idealized image of the Maid.
In the Guards' room, images from The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) by Carl Theodor Dreyer place the face at the center of the narrative, embodied by Renée Jeanne Falconetti. The proposal continues into the 21st century with the films Jeannette (2017) and Jeanne (2019) by Bruno Dumont, offering a contemporary and stripped-down reading of the figure. Curated by: Francis Briest.
Edgar Sarin: memory, ruin, and perception
From June 13 to November 1, 2026, the exhibition dedicated to Edgar Sarin will take over the Donjon at the intersection of sculpture, installation, and architecture.
His work questions memory, transformation, ruin, and perception: volumes, materials, and the symbolic weight of the site resonate with his proposals.
The challenge, simple yet ambitious, is to make heritage a field of experimentation where the gaze is renewed. Curated by: Mathilde de Croix.
The place itself
The Donjon of Vez overlooks the Autumn Valley and stands as a monument where different eras overlap. Classified as a historical monument and featuring a garden labeled "Remarkable Garden," it offers a journey through nearly 1000 years of history.
Built in the Middle Ages, the site was fortified after 1214, experienced destruction during the Great Jacquerie, and then was reborn in the 14th century with a remarkable pentagonal keep. It also underwent confiscation during the Revolution, significant restorations in the 19th century, and occupation during World War I.
The entire site is accessible year-round.
Visit: hours, reservations, prices
Opening hours vary by month: in May, June, and September, openings are from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with guided tours at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM.
In July and August, the opening is announced from Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with guided tours offered at regular slots (10 AM to 5 PM are listed among the guided tour hours). However, please note: it is indicated that tours are available, from Wednesday to Sunday,
by reservation only. Prices: full price €10, children aged 6-12 €5, under 6 years free. Access & contact: Donjon de Vez - 60117 VEZ, +33 (0)3 44 59 03 97, [email protected]. Reservations at www.paysdevalois-tourisme.fr.
What one feels there
One strolls between gardens and installations, taking the time (really) to look. The contrast between ancient stone and contemporary forms creates an atmosphere that is sometimes poetic, sometimes soothing. The journey invites disconnection: heritage enthusiasts, curious about modern art, or walkers in search of a contemplative pause will find plenty to marvel at.
Note Well
Keep: term that refers to the fortified heart of a castle, often the main tower.
Commission: task assigned to a person who designs and organizes an exhibition.
Remarkable garden: label that indicates a garden valued for its landscape and botanical quality (designation applied to the site).
Conclusion
The 2026 season of the Vez Dungeon plays on the meeting of centuries, without seeking ease.
Between Joan of Arc and the installations of Edgar Sarin, visitors are invited to spend time, allowing history and contemporary art to respond to each other.
If you feel inclined, consider making a reservation and planning a stroll in the gardens to complete your visit.
