Prison panoptique

In 1847, the département decided to build a new prison, as the one at the courthouse had become obsolete.
The original choice was to build a circular, panoptic prison that respected prisoners' rights. It was also an interesting strategy from an economic point of view, as the number of guards could be drastically reduced. The shape, a three-storey cylinder, is thirteen metres high and twenty-three metres in diameter. The cells are quite spacious, and the prisoners also have natural light and heating, which was very comfortable for the time. The exercise yards were located on the third level, under the roof terrace. The prison was disused after the Second World War.

View from the outside only. The Musée Rolin is currently working with the prison to create a Grand Musée using the 360-degree view from this circular building. The project is due to be completed by 2027.

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