Exhibition French Donjons and
the Model of Coucy Castle

The spectacular six by six metre model of Coucy Castle stands nearly two and half metres high, and shows life as it really was in the Middle Ages. 

Some 2,500 hand-painted figures act out scenes from medieval times.  Outside the castle walls the English are launching an attack using giant siege towers, craftsmen are making weapons and a hospital has been established in a ruined church.   The castle is cross-sectioned and inside everyday life continues as normal - a knighting ceremony is taking place, a lavish feast is being prepared and eaten and the guests are being entertained by musicians and acrobats.  There is also a torture chamber and prision.   There is even someone having his teeth pulled.

An additional 2 square metre model of the 1339 Jousting Tournament at Coucy compliments the breathtaking castle replica.  Seven hundred figures, from knights on horseback to the peasants behind the scenes, bring the joust to life.  Both models are historically accurate and are on a scale of 1:25.

Already 525,000 enthralled visitors at 14 venues worldwide, including the National Geographical Society in Washington and the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum, have thronged to see the exhibition.
 

Photographs: Bernhard Siepen