As part of the exhibition Parmain 1900, the commune of Parmain, located in the Val-d’Oise, has innovated by offering a captivating immersive experience that brings to life 150 vintage postcards. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, visitors can discover a 20-minute film that illustrates the Belle Époque and immerses the audience in local history in an unprecedented way. This initiative has generated great enthusiasm during the first screening, offering a revitalized glimpse of a bygone past.
A Remarkable Opening
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Louis-Lemaire hall hosted the first screening of the film Parmain 1900. The audience, including many locals from Parmain, was captivated by a performance that combined art and technology. Using more than 500 old postcards, the artistic director Nicolas Giroud succeeded in selecting 150 images that were transformed into animated sequences. Initial feedback from the audience was enthusiastic, describing the show as exceptional and brilliant.
A Technology at the Service of Memory
The animation of these postcards was made possible by a meticulous process involving artificial intelligence. This technology allows for the revitalization of still images, thus offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the past. The moments captured on these postcards, such as a train arriving at the Parmain-L’Isle-Adam station or washerwomen along the Oise, are a true window into the past, bringing back to life slices of life that have sometimes been forgotten.
An Evocative Film
The 20-minute film, screened continuously throughout the exhibition, allows spectators to dive headfirst into the atmosphere of the Belle Époque. Thanks to the magic of AI, these animated images evoke emotions and curiosity about local history, and the audience often finds themselves transported to scenes from another time where the children of Jouy-Le-Comte play carefree.
An Exhibition Rich in Discoveries
Alongside the screening, the Parmain 1900 exhibition also features a collection of unpublished old postcards, displayed on the walls of the town hall’s ground floor. These cards, from private collections, allow for a deeper exploration of the commune’s heritage. Each postcard becomes a treasure, revealing precious moments of local history and personal stories.
Complementary Conferences
To enrich the visitors’ experience, two conferences are scheduled alongside the exhibition. The first, hosted by historian Claude Legout, will take place on Sunday, December 21, while the second, focusing on the 20th century, will be presented by Mathieu Bidal on Sunday, December 14. These talks promise to deepen knowledge about the historical periods mentioned while offering new perspectives on the community’s heritage.
Practical Information
The Parmain 1900 exhibition is accessible until December 30, 2025, at the Louis-Lemaire hall, Place Clemenceau. Admission is free during the town hall’s opening hours and on weekends, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is a unique opportunity to discover, thanks to artificial intelligence, a past that can be felt and relived, while strengthening connections with local history.
