A major heritage and historical site in the Moselle region, Pange Castle is currently being converted into a Centre culturel de rencontre. The association in charge of the project is developing a cultural project rooted in the transmission of heritage, contemporary artistic creation, and dialogue with the living.
THE HERITAGE SITE
Pange Castle is located on the outskirts of Metz. At the heart of a 300-hectare agricultural and forest estate, it sits on the banks of the river that runs through it, the Nied Française.
It was built in 1720 by Jean Baptiste Thomas, the first Marquis of Pange, on the site of an ancient fortress. In the early 18th century, the Château de Pange served as the border between the independent Duchy of Lorraine and the Kingdom of France.
Due to its geographical location, the château has been occupied by foreign armies many times throughout its history.
After World War II, it was converted into an aerarium (a rest home for children recovering from tuberculosis) and then into a summer camp.
The Thomas de Pange family, who had owned the property since its construction, returned to live there in the early 1980s. They undertook extensive renovation and restoration work.
Built in pure Louis XV style, the castle is listed as a historic monument (facade and roof). The outbuildings—a fortified farmhouse bearing witness to the site's medieval past—are also listed. The contemporary gardens were designed in 2000 by landscape architect Louis Benech.
The ground floor of the château, whose salons are also listed as historic monuments, is open to guided tours.
Its exceptional location—20 minutes from Metz and 1 hour from Luxembourg, Saarbrücken, and Nancy—gives it a natural cross-border appeal.
THE CULTURAL PROJECT
Awarded the “Innovative Regional Cultural Project” label by the DRAC Grand Est and the Grand Est Region, and winner of the Atout France's “Reinventing Heritage” program, the Château de Pange is set to become a House of Arts, Encounters, and Cultures (MARC).
The cultural project is based on three pillars: transmission, transhumance, and landscapes.
Led by the preliminary planning association, the conversion project aims to make the site a resource for the region, open and accessible to all. The goal is to put the site at the service of the societal, cultural, and ecological challenges of our time. Preserving the estate's natural heritage, promoting the site's rich history for all, and hosting creative artists year-round are complementary objectives that will make the Château de Pange a key player in the social and ecological transformation of its region.
A trail of artistic works linked to the landscape, a seasonal program, and an ambitious program of artist residencies bring this shared heritage site to life.
ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES
In 2024, the château hosted:
- 8 artist residencies (poets, theater companies, visual artists);
- more than 30 cultural events: readings, shows, storytelling walks, screenings;
- Art education activities with schools, colleges, and day camps;
- Events co-organized with local residents, both inside and outside the castle walls.
At the same time, the site hosts corporate seminars and private events and offers its iconic spaces for rent: grand salon, barn, gallery, arboretum, and more.
The project pays particular attention to young people, schoolchildren and local residents. An eco-cultural program (forest festival, nature activities, educational garden) is also being developed.
*associated member