bassin des lumières Bordeaux

The Bassin des Lumières

The Bassin des Lumières is a must-see destination for fans of digital art and immersive experiences. Housed in the former submarine base at the city Bordeaux, this art center offers monumental exhibitions that plunge visitors into the heart of works by the greatest artists.

History and transformation of the submarine base

Built during the Second World War, the Bordeaux submarine base initially served as a shelter for German submarines. With its imposing walls and crude architecture, it has long remained a symbol of the city's military past. In 2018, the city of Bordeaux launched a call for tenders to rehabilitate this space. The "Culturespaces" company was chosen to transform the base into a digital art center. After extensive work, the Bassin des Lumières opened its doors to the public on June 10, 2020.

The Basin of Lights - A unique immersive experience

The Bassin des Lumières boasts impressive dimensions: four 110-meter-long basins, offering a projection surface of 12,000 m². Thanks to 90 video projectorsThe works are projected onto walls, ceilings and even water, creating a totally immersive experience for visitors. Exhibitions feature iconic artists such as Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Claude Monet and Salvador Dalí, allowing visitors to rediscover their works from a whole new angle.

Programming and exhibitions

Since its opening, the Bassin des Lumières has offered a rich program:

  • 2020 Gustav Klimt, d'or et de couleurs" and "Paul Klee, peindre la musique".
  • 2021 Monet, Renoir... Chagall, Voyages en Méditerranée" and "Yves Klein, l'infini bleu".
  • 2022 Venice, the Serenissima" and "Joaquín Sorolla".
  • 2023 Dalí, l'énigme sans fin" and "Gaudí, architecte de l'imaginaire".
  • 2024 From Vermeer to Van Gogh, the Dutch masters" and "The Little Prince: An immersive odyssey".

These exhibitions offer a sensory immersion into the heart of the works, combining visual projections and soundscapes for an unforgettable experience.

The Bassins à flot district

Le Bassin des Lumières is located in the Bassins à flot district, a rapidly changing area that combines industrial heritage and modernity. Once dedicated to port activities, the district has undergone a major transformation in recent decades. Today, it's home to contemporary housing, offices, cultural spaces and entertainment venues. The area's proximity to the Garonne river and docks provides a pleasant setting for strolling, with landscaped quays and uninterrupted views of the river.

Other tourist attractions in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a city rich in heritage and attractions. Here is a selection of must-see sites:

The Place de la Bourse and the Water mirror

A symbol of classical 18th-century architecture, Place de la Bourse is one of Bordeaux's most beautiful squares. Facing it, the Miroir d'eau, inaugurated in 2006, offers a fascinating spectacle by reflecting the building facades and creating fog effects.

The Cité du Vin

A museum dedicated to wine and its culture, thehe Cité du Vin offers an interactive journey through the history of wine around the world. Its bold architecture, evoking the movement of wine in a glass, has become a modern emblem of the city.

Le Grand Théâtre

A masterpiece by architect Victor Louis, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux is a remarkable example of neo-classical architecture. Inaugurated in 1780, it is now home to the Opéra National de Bordeaux and offers a varied program throughout the year.

Pey-Berland Tower and Saint-André Cathedral

The Tour Pey-Berland, a separate bell tower from the Cathédrale Saint-André, offers a panoramic view of the city after climbing its 231 steps. The cathedral, meanwhile, is an emblematic Gothic monument where Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future King Louis VII.

The Stone Bridge

First bridge built in Bordeaux under Napoleon I, the Stone Bridge connects the two banks of the Garonne. With its 17 arches, it offers a picturesque view of the city and is a popular strolling spot for Bordeaux residents and visitors alike.

The Musée d'Aquitaine

This museum traces the history of Bordeaux and its region, from prehistory to the present day. Its rich and varied collections offer a journey through time, highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of Aquitaine.

FAQ Bassins des Lumières Bordeaux

How to get to the Bassin des Lumières?

To get to the Bassin des Lumières from downtown Bordeaux :

  • Tramway Take line C towards Blanquefort or Parc des Expositions and get off at Ravezies.

  • Bus From the Ravezies stop, take bus no. 9 towards Brandenburg and get off at the stop Submarine Baselocated just a 5-minute walk from the Bassin des Lumières.

Please note that the nearest streetcar stop.., Les Aubiers (line C), is a 21-minute walk from the site.

What is the program for the Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux in 2025?

From February 21, 2025, the Bassin des Lumières presents four new immersive exhibitions:

  • Egypt of the Pharaohs An exploration of the treasures and mysteries of ancient Egypt, from pyramids to majestic temples.

  • The Orientalists : A journey through the works of 19thᵉ century Western painters, such as Ingres and Delacroix, inspired by the Orient.

  • Entropy A contemporary creation offering a reflection on chaos and order in our universe.

  • The Giants Another contemporary creation featuring monumental figures in a striking visual universe.

Which streetcar to take to get to the Bassin des Lumières in Bordeaux?

The nearest tramway to the Bassin des Lumières is the C. Get off at the stop Raveziesthen take bus no. 9 to stop Submarine Base.

What is the Bassin des Lumières?

Visit Bassin des Lumières is the world's largest digital art center, housed in the former Bordeaux submarine base. It offers immersive exhibitions where works of art are projected onto walls and water surfaces, creating a unique sensory experience for visitors.

For more information and to plan your visit, visit the official Bassins des Lumières website.

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