Archéologies is situated in the visual opening to the river from the parvis of the Maison de la culture de Verdun, Le Quai 5160. The work is presented as a simple, dynamic form, freely inspired by the iron pyrite geological structure on the bank of the river. It is composed of two interlocking cubes placed in balance on the oversized replica of an arrowhead the original of which was found on a nearby site and is probably 5,500 years old.

The lower cube and the arrowhead are made of bronze, and the upper cube is made of stainless steel. The surface treatment of the latter cube refers to the river’s motion. An embossed fossil is embedded in the bronze of the lower cube.

By its reflective nature, the sculpture is subtly integrated into the landscape and harmonizes with the architecture. Archéologies invites viewers to remember that the riverbanks of Verdun once extended beyond their current limits and revives the memory of the history of peoples and the land they inhabited. This is the first work of public art by Yann Pocreau included in the municipal collection.

Yann Pocreau’s sculpture is adjacent to the Maison de la culture de Verdun, Le Quai 5160, connected to the École de cirque de Verdun. Archéologies was produced following a public art competition by invitation launched in 2016. Construction of the cultural centre and renovation of the circus school were subjected to the Québec government’s Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement des sites gouvernementaux et publics. The luminous building opening to the river was reconfigured and expanded by Les Architectes FABG.