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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 in a former WWII submarine base, where masterpieces come alive through immersive projections.

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Dive into the mesmerizing world of digital art at Bassins des Lumières, located in Bordeaux's former submarine base. This unique cultural center projects stunning, large-scale exhibitions onto the walls and water of four massive basins, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. Explore the works of renowned artists like Gustav Klimt, Van Gogh, and contemporary creators in a spectacular display of light, sound, and reflection. The sheer scale of the space, combined with cutting-edge technology, makes for an unforgettable visit, appealing to art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Don't miss this opportunity to witness art in a whole new dimension, where history and innovation converge to create a truly breathtaking spectacle. The Bassins des Lumières is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy this extraordinary cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Bassins des Lumières

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your entry and avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking around the large exhibition space.
  • Dress warmly, as the submarine base can be cool even on warm days.
  • Check the exhibition schedule in advance to see which artists or themes are currently being featured.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the exhibitions and explore the site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux city center (Quinconces): Take Tram C towards Blanquefort or Parc des Expositions and get off at the Ravezies stop. Then, take Bus 9 towards Brandenburg and get off at the Base Sous-Marine stop. The Bassins des Lumières are a short walk from the bus stop. A single tram/bus fare is approximately €1.70.

  • Public Transport

    From Gare Saint-Jean (Bordeaux train station): Take Tram C towards Blanquefort or Parc des Expositions and get off at the Ravezies stop. Transfer to Bus 9 towards Brandenburg and alight at the Base Sous-Marine stop. The Bassins des Lumières are within walking distance. A single tram/bus fare is about €1.70.

  • 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 A10 and then the Rocade A630/E5/E606. Exit at Sortie 4, Zone Industrielle Blanquefort, Bordeaux-Nord. Follow Boulevard Aliénor d'Aquitaine, then Place de Latule, and finally Boulevard Alfred Daney. The Base sous-marine will be on your right. Free parking is available, but spaces fill up quickly. Paid parking is also available nearby. Reserving a parking spot online is recommended, though not compulsory.

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Discover more about Bassins des Lumières

Housed within Bordeaux's imposing former submarine base, Bassins des Lumières offers a unique and unforgettable art experience. This vast space, once a critical part of Nazi Germany's Atlantic naval operations during World War II, has been transformed into the largest digital art center in the world. The conversion of this historical site into a modern cultural hub is a testament to Bordeaux's commitment to innovation and its ability to repurpose its past for the enrichment of the present. The base itself is a marvel of engineering, constructed between 1941 and 1943 to provide a safe harbor for U-boats. Its immense concrete structure, built to withstand Allied bombing raids, comprises eleven bunkers, four of which now house the Bassins des Lumières. These four basins, filled with water, serve as the canvas for breathtaking projections of art, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light, reflection, and sound. Upon entering the Bassins des Lumières, visitors are immediately enveloped in a world of color and movement. Ninety video projectors cast images onto the 12,000 square meters of walls and water, bringing the works of iconic artists to life in a grand and immersive scale. The carefully curated soundtracks, featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions, enhance the sensory experience, creating a truly captivating atmosphere. The exhibitions at Bassins des Lumières change regularly, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and themes. Past exhibitions have featured the works of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Van Gogh, and Salvador Dalí, as well as explorations of ancient civilizations and contemporary digital art. Each exhibition is carefully designed to take full advantage of the unique space, using the water's reflective properties to create stunning visual effects. One of the highlights of the Bassins des Lumières is the Cube, a dedicated space for contemporary digital art. This 220-square-meter area provides a platform for emerging artists to experiment with immersive technologies, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. The Cube offers visitors a glimpse into the future of art, showcasing innovative installations that challenge perceptions and engage the senses. Beyond the art itself, the Bassins des Lumières offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the submarine base. Informative displays and archival footage provide context for the site's wartime past, highlighting its strategic importance and the lives of the people who worked there. This blend of art and history makes the Bassins des Lumières a truly unique and enriching cultural destination. The visitor experience at Bassins des Lumières is designed to be both engaging and accessible. The exhibitions are self-guided, allowing visitors to explore the space at their own pace and immerse themselves in the art. Comfortable walking paths wind through the basins, providing ample opportunities to view the projections from different angles. Seating areas are also available for those who wish to sit and contemplate the art. Bassins des Lumières is more than just an art gallery; it's a transformative experience that combines art, history, and technology in a truly unforgettable way. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Bassins des Lumières is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its innovative approach to art presentation, combined with its historical significance, makes it a must-see destination in Bordeaux. The center is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the immersive art experience. Baby carriers are recommended as an alternative to strollers due to the unique layout of the space. The Bassins des Lumières is a cool environment, so bringing an extra layer of clothing is advisable. Online ticket purchase is highly recommended to secure entry and avoid queues. The on-site bookstore offers a variety of art-related books and souvenirs. Visiting the Bassins des Lumières is an opportunity to witness the power of art to transform spaces and connect people. It's a place where history comes alive, where creativity knows no bounds, and where the future of art is being shaped. This extraordinary cultural landmark is a testament to Bordeaux's vibrant arts scene and its commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future.

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