The Swarm

Located somewhere between a space for encounter, interpretation, and contemplation, The Swarm is a public artwork designed to blend harmoniously with the beekeeping world of Les Miels d'Anicet. Carefully set amidst nature, in the flower-filled valley at the foot of Devil's Mountain, this exhibition reflects the authentic and wild landscape of the Upper Laurentians.

Inspired by the materiality of the environment and existing infrastructure, The Swarm offers visitors an attractive and educational space that showcases the history and expertise of Les Miels d'Anicet. As you can see, the exhibition is an assembly of six vertical interpretive panels, primarily made of hemlock and Corten steel, each uniquely and artistically illustrating a theme related to beekeeping specific to Les Miels d'Anicet.

Born from a collective of artisans, including Api-Culture Hautes-Laurentides, the urban design cooperative Le Comité, and the design studio Caserne, L’Essaim combines knowledge, design, experience, and expertise.

Swarm, n.m.

A colony of bees that abandon an overcrowded hive to found another.

Swarming, a survival instinct. Swarming is a fundamental behavior that ensures the survival of the species. This phenomenon occurs when the colony is in full health and has reached peak functioning. The queen decides the right time to swarm and reproduce. She then sends signals to the workers, who prepare for succession by building a queen cell. Since each colony can only be led by one queen, when the second is born, the colony naturally divides in two. The first part remains within the existing hive and will be guided by the new queen.

The second half leaves the hive with the former queen to settle in a new household. Despite the impressive nature of the swarms, the swarming bees are harmless. Having stocked up for the journey to their new home, they are laden with a large cargo of honey and are temporarily unable to sting. This work was conceived in the context of an inspiring new generation of bees slowly settling into the honey house. That's why it was entirely natural and thoughtful for us to name this exhibition The Swarm, emphasizing the parallel we draw between the fundamental behavior of bees to ensure the survival of the species and this period of transition, of which we are very proud.

For an experience enhanced by augmented reality

In keeping with our values, we are committed to offering our visitors an experience anchored in the present moment. That's why you'll find plenty of inspiring content on the various interpretive panels to sharpen your beekeeping knowledge.

However, if you'd like a unique experience, we invite you to download the L'Essaim - Miels d'Anicet mobile app to further satisfy your curiosity. You'll see honeycomb-shaped QR codes on several signs and locations. Once downloaded, scan them with your mobile device to experience the various augmented reality experiences.

Enjoy your experience!