The historic Abbey de la Celle is situated in Le Var, the South of France. It was built in the 4th Century as a Priory for women, and later became an Abbey. It’s unique history spans over 2,000 years, and is celebrated in an iconic museum space, restored in 2004.

The restoration of this heritage site required non-intrusive lighting that respected the existing Roman-built structure. The vaulted ceilings are a charistmatic feature that define the spaces, with their textured limestone bricks and small, circular windows. Within these spaces are glass enclosures and pedestals exhibiting various artifacts of historic relevance to the site, including Amphora’s, wooden artifacts and sculptural pieces.

All the restrictions of this meticulously preserved heritage site, demanded a lighting solution that could not only be mounted sensitively, but provide high-quality lighting to the museum space below. Tatoo 62 was chosen thanks to its versatility and customization options.

This direct-indirect linear lighting profile is mounted with multiple suspension points to spread the weight of the fitting and inflict minimal damage to the ancient ceiling. The lighting system is fitted with 230V track direct, and linear LED lighting indirect.

The linear lighting washes the vaulted cellar’s limestone ceiling, highlighting each individual brick and reflecting diffuse ambient lighting to the rest of the space. Museum artifacts are lit using DOSK 230V spotlights, mounted in the direct 230V Track of the Tatoo 62 system. Each spot uses a high-quality Xicato Artist LED chip to ensure the best possible colour-rendering and visual detail.

CLIENT: Abbey de la Celle
ARCHITECT: Architect of historical monument
LIGHTING DESIGN: Optelma
PHOTOS: Optelma