8 hour(s)
English
Included
Historic strengths include its riverfront façade, Place de la Bourse, and the Grand Théâtre
The tour begins at the Garonne quays and the Water Mirror by Michel Corajoud
Includes key contemporary sites like Square Vinet, Mama Shelter, and the Law Courts
Concludes with major development areas such as Euratlantique and the MECA by BIG
€ 0
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Bordeaux has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, shedding its former nickname of “Sleeping Beauty” and reclaiming a vibrant urban identity. Historically, the city has always possessed a strong architectural and urban culture: its riverfront façade and Place de la Bourse stand as enduring symbols of 18th-century prosperity, Haussmann’s interventions left subtle imprints on its fabric, and the design of the Grand Théâtre went on to inspire major opera houses of the 19th century. Despite this rich heritage, Bordeaux gradually slipped into decline, long perceived as a dark, static, and overlooked city. Over the last twenty-five years, however, it has reinvented itself in depth. With its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Bordeaux regained its stature as a regional capital and has since become one of the most attractive cities in France, expected to reach one million inhabitants by 2030. Today, it presents the image of a neoclassical city whose historic core is complemented by a constellation of contemporary architectural landmarks.
The visit begins along the Garonne River quays and the iconic Water Mirror designed by Michel Corajoud, a symbolic starting point for understanding the city’s redevelopment strategy since 1995. This first section provides an opportunity to explore the major planning principles that shaped Bordeaux’s renewal, before continuing through the city center on an urban stroll punctuated by contemporary spaces such as Square Vinet by Michel Desvigne and Patrick Blanc, Philippe Starck’s Mama Shelter, and the Bordeaux Law Courts by Richard Rogers, all set against a backdrop of historic monuments including the Rohan Palace and the Grand Théâtre. The second part of the tour shifts toward major ongoing development areas, most notably the ambitious Euratlantique project, offering the possibility to discover some of its most emblematic achievements such as the MECA cultural center designed by the Danish firm BIG.
Customised Guided Tour
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This is a great building that has been repurposed as a contemporary art gallery. The huge space houses some impressive installation work. They’re reviewing rooms for contemporary video and film works and spaces for suspended and kinetic art. Upstairs there is a children’s area there is also an architectural workshop.The roof is beautiful and has an area for having something to eat and drink. It has a great symphony shop and is highly recommended for the modern art lover.
the museum is located just off the river promenade and close to the city center. the historic building has been transformed beautifully into a big exhibition space. it houses several exhibitions on three levels and there is of course a little shop. general admission is 8 euros, which is absolutely worth it.
I'm not sure if people are complaining about the art museum because they lack an appreciation of contemporary art. One of the highlights was a video about protests around the world looking for Independence and freedom, over the decades that was deeply moving. I found the museum delightful. My husband thought it was offbeat.
Voluminous contemporary art space in an restored stone structure. The range of exhibitions spanning three floors. Works we encountered focus on issues relevant to modern life across all mediums and disciplines of art, film, design, architecture. A great book and gift shop at ground level and a nice rooftop terrace for refreshments rounded out our visit.
I give five stars for the building. It is truly amazing! However, the exhibition is not so interesting, a bit perfunctory, I would say. The first floor was closed except a small gallery for antiques. Anyway, if you have time to kill in Bordeaux, it is still a good place to go.
