Pommery uncorks contemporary art in its cellars

Each year, the Pommery Champagne house in Reims offers a contemporary art exhibition in its chalk quarries, a show called "The Pommery Experience." In 2019, the Esprit Souterrain ("Underground Spirit") theme was chosen for the 14th edition. Come along and join us on a beautiful trip through the 18 kilometers (11 miles) of underground galleries of the property.

Robots

The Pakui Hardware duo, a name inspired by Hawaiian mythology, presents their "Creatures of Habit" series in chalk deposit 17. The sculptures, made of iron, waterproof fabric and other silicone material, allude to the protective clothing often found covering robots.

Art rats

The chalk walls of the underground of the Pommery estate host a series of rats sculpted in bas-relief by Aline Bouvy--a way for the artist to play on the fear of "the other." Don't worry; these small humanoid (and sometimes insolent) rodents will be the only ones you will see during your visit to the property's cellars!

Art rats

The chalk walls of the underground of the Pommery estate host a series of rats sculpted in bas-relief by Aline Bouvy--a way for the artist to play on the fear of "the other." Don't worry; these small humanoid (and sometimes insolent) rodents will be the only ones you will see during your visit to the property's cellars!

Aeration

When walking through the Silère chalk quarry, "Homeostasis II," the monumental work of British artist Holly Hendry, catches you by surprise. It is impossible to miss this structure, 30 m (98 feet) high, a true maze made of air ducts.

Yoko and John

Yoko Ono and John Lennon are displayed on the basement walls of the Maison Pommery through the projection of "Oh Yoko!," an experimental animated film by Japanese artist Keiichi Tanaami.

Yoko and John

Yoko Ono and John Lennon are displayed on the basement walls of the Maison Pommery through the projection of "Oh Yoko!," an experimental animated film by Japanese artist Keiichi Tanaami.

Underground castle

The Champagne chalk quarry becomes a den for artist Antwan Horfee, who has set up—or rather, overturned—an inflatable castle to serve as a moving support for a monumental painting and a cartoon, thus creating a cave perspective within the cave.

In Louise Pommery's chalk quarry, which pays tribute to the person who turned the Maison Pommery into a champagne empire, the floor is covered with empty bullet casings. This work, by artist Matias Faldbakken, called "20,000 Gun Shells," makes reference to the arms industry.

In Louise Pommery's chalk quarry, which pays tribute to the person who turned the Maison Pommery into a champagne empire, the floor is covered with empty bullet casings. This work, by artist Matias Faldbakken, called "20,000 Gun Shells," makes reference to the arms industry.

A tribute

The enfant terrible of Parisian street art, SAEIO, who brutally disappeared during the summer of 2017, is honored in the Carnot cellar, which is entirely dedicated to him. Here you will find a set of paintings and films at different times, like "Locus Puta 1", produced in 2014.

Vanitas

Upon your arrival at the estate, you're greeted by this piece signed by Tania Mouraud. Can you decode the inscription on it?
It is a Latin phrase, "Vanitas vanitatum et Omnia vanitas" from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Vanitas

Upon your arrival at the estate, you're greeted by this piece signed by Tania Mouraud. Can you decode the inscription on it?
It is a Latin phrase, "Vanitas vanitatum et Omnia vanitas" from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

We owe the Pommery estate as we know it today to Madame Pommery. When her husband died in 1858, this businesswoman transformed the chalk quarries into a labyrinth of 18 kilometers (11 miles) of underground galleries, 30 meters (98 feet) deep, connected to the surface by a monumental staircase with 116 steps. The architecture of the property is just as monumental, with buildings full of turrets, crenelations and other keeps, contrasting with what was typically done at the time in the champagne houses. Another peculiarity of the estate, located in the heart of Reims, is its 25 hectares (61 acres) of walled vineyards, Les Clos Pompadour, which have produced exceptional vintages of the same name.