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Bassins des Lumières: Immersive Art Experience

Experience art in a new light at Bassins des Lumières, the world's largest digital art center housed in a former WWII submarine base in Bordeaux, offering immersive exhibitions for all ages.

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Bassins des Lumières, located in a former WWII submarine base in Bordeaux, is the largest digital art center in the world. This unique venue offers immersive exhibitions where art is projected onto the walls and reflected in the water, creating a mesmerizing 360-degree experience. Visitors can explore the history of the submarine base and enjoy contemporary art in a unique setting. With its blend of history, art, and technology, Bassins des Lumières is a must-see attraction for art lovers and history buffs alike, offering a memorable and captivating experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Bassins des Lumières

  • Monday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
  • Note that the venue can be cool, even in summer, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the exhibitions and explore the venue.
  • Check the official website for the current exhibition schedule and any special events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux city center (Quinconces area), take Tram C towards Blanquefort or Parc des Expositions. Get off at the Ravezies stop. From there, transfer to Bus 9 towards Brandenburg and get off at the Base Sous-Marine stop, which is right in front of the Bassins des Lumières. A single tram/bus ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour of unlimited travel including connections. Alternatively, a 24-hour pass costs €5.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Bordeaux city center will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €15-€25 for the ride. Be sure to specify 'Bassins des Lumières' or 'Base sous-marine' as your destination.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A630/E5/E606 ring road and exit at 'Zone Industrielle Blanquefort, Bordeaux-Nord' (exit 4). Follow signs for 'Bassins à flot'. There is a free municipal car park in front of the submarine base, but spaces are limited and fill up quickly. You can also book a guaranteed parking spot in the secured car park online. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season. Parking costs vary but expect to pay around €2.80 per hour at the nearby Bassins à Flot parking.

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Discover more about Bassins des Lumières

Step into a world where art comes alive at the Bassins des Lumières, an extraordinary digital art center housed within Bordeaux's former submarine base. This unique venue transforms the imposing concrete structure, a relic of World War II, into a captivating space where art, history, and technology converge. Prepare to be immersed in a multi-sensory experience as you wander through colossal basins illuminated by breathtaking projections of masterpieces from renowned artists. The Bassins des Lumières is not just an art gallery; it's a journey into the heart of artistic creation. The sheer scale of the venue is awe-inspiring. The submarine base, built by the Germans between 1941 and 1943, is a vast concrete structure covering 42,000 square meters. Within this industrial cathedral, Culturespaces has created a space where art transcends its traditional boundaries. The experience begins as you enter the main exhibition area, where four enormous basins, each over 100 meters long and 20 meters wide, serve as the canvas for the digital artworks. Ninety video projectors and a sophisticated sound system work in harmony to create a seamless and immersive environment. Images of iconic paintings are projected onto the walls, ceilings, and water surfaces, enveloping visitors in a sea of color and light. The exhibitions at Bassins des Lumières change regularly, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for repeat visitors. The current program features "The Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II" and "The Orientalists: Ingres, Delacroix, Gérôme", offering a journey through ancient Egyptian art and 19th-century Orientalist paintings. These digital creations revisit iconic movements, offering a new perspective on familiar works. Beyond the main exhibitions, Bassins des Lumières offers several other spaces to explore. Le Cube, a 220-square-meter area, is dedicated to contemporary artists working in immersive art. Here, visitors can discover cutting-edge installations that push the boundaries of digital creativity. The Base Museum explores the history of the submarine base itself, providing context for the venue's unique setting. Visitors can learn about the base's construction, its role during the war, and its transformation into a cultural center. To fully appreciate the scale of the Bassins des Lumières, take a walk along the elevated walkways that crisscross the basins. From these vantage points, you can observe the interplay of light and reflection on the water's surface, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The reflections of the projected images in the water enhance the immersive experience, making you feel as though you are stepping into the paintings themselves. The Bassins des Lumières is more than just a visual spectacle; it's also an auditory experience. The music accompanying the projections is carefully selected to complement the artworks, creating an emotional and engaging atmosphere. The sound resonates throughout the space, adding another layer of depth to the immersive experience. The venue is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the art. The Bassins des Lumières is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to experience art in a new and exciting way. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you are sure to be captivated by the beauty and innovation of this unique cultural destination. Visiting the Bassins des Lumières is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for art and history. It's a place where the past and the future collide, creating a space that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this extraordinary venue on your next trip to Bordeaux.

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