点评:I wanted to visit this museum after reading about it in a novel... it was a wonderful experience. Built originally - if I understand correctly - to the glory of the French colonies, it has now been transformed into a space dealing with the history of immigration/emigration, set out in a sensitive and balanced way. Explanations are given for when, why and how immigrants moved to France (and how some moved out...), as well as their reception... the way in which the government, after wars (for example) encouraged immigration to replace lost manpower, only for some in the local population to turn against the incomers for 'stealing their jobs'.
Very many of the main panels are given in English as well as French, but a good number of the smaller ones aren't translated (I'm unsure if audio tours are available). Towards the end, there is a lovely short film in which immigrant children recount their experiences - how 'French' they feel (or don't), and how welcoming or otherwise people have been.
It's the sort of exposition anyone from a former colonial power should visit, as the arguments are much the same everywhere.
The front of the building is magnificent (unfortunately, a part was covered with scaffolding during our visit, though most was clear). Well worth a look, but it's some way from the centre so it needs to be a deliberate visit unless your hotel is in the area.
For kids, there is also an aquarium - we didn't visit that - but there were school groups going there, so...
翻译:我在小说里读到过这家博物馆,就一直想去参观……真是一次美妙的体验。如果我理解没错的话,它最初是为了纪念法国殖民地的辉煌而建,如今已改造成一个以细腻而平衡的方式展现移民/移居历史的场所。馆内解释了移民何时、为何以及如何移居法国(以及一些人如何离开……),以及他们所受到的待遇……例如,政府在战后鼓励移民以补充劳动力,结果却导致一些当地居民反对移民,指责他们“抢走了自己的工作”。
许多主要展板都配有英语和法语双语说明,但不少小型展板没有翻译(我不确定是否有语音导览)。临近结尾,有一部很棒的短片,片中移民儿童讲述了他们的经历——他们觉得自己有多“法国”(或者没有),以及人们对他们的态度是热情友好还是冷漠疏离。
对于任何来自前殖民强国的人来说,这都是一个值得一看的展览,因为其中的论点在各地都大同小异。
建筑正面气势恢宏(可惜的是,我们参观时部分区域被脚手架遮挡,不过大部分区域都清晰可见)。非常值得一看,但它离市中心有点远,所以除非你的酒店就在附近,否则需要特意安排时间前往。
这里还有一个水族馆,适合带孩子参观——我们没有去——不过当时有学校团体在那里参观,所以……