Prison panoptique

In 1847, the department decided to build a new prison, the one at the courthouse having become obsolete.
The original choice was to build a circular and panoptic prison, respecting the rights of the prisoners. It was also an interesting strategy from an economic point of view, since this layout allowed the number of guards to 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 is very comfortable for the time. The exercise yards are located on the third level, under the roof terrace. The prison was disused after the Second World War.

View from the outside only. The Rolin Museum is currently undergoing work with the prison to form a Grand Museum using the 360 degree view from this circular building. The project should be completed by 2027.

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