The Pools of Light, a place of wonder

Published on October 23, 2023 at 5:28 pm

Bordeaux is home to many world-famous venues, including the Bassins de lumières. Located in the former German submarine base from the Second World War, it is the largest digital art centre in the world. Exhibitions on artists such as Monet, Renoir, Klimt, Chagall and others are presented here. Dedicated to the history of art and contemporary creation, the exhibition immerses visitors in an immersive atmosphere and a setting bursting with colour. The aim of the visit is to awaken your senses and enrich your culture. The art centre has 4 pools 110 metres long, 12,000m² of projection surface and 90 video projectors.

Youenn Lerb / Bassin des lumières

Summary

History of the Bassins de lumières
Why go there?
Where to eat?
Where to stay?

History of the Bassins de lumières

The Bordeaux submarine base, which serves as an exhibition venue, was created in 1940, when the city was in the hands of German troops. This monumental building covering more than 45,000 square metres was finally inaugurated on Thursday 13 May 1943. It was abandoned by the Germans in 1944 after the Allied bombardments, and then taken over by the French Navy, which entrusted it to the Autonomous Port of Bordeaux. From 1960 to 1990, the building was used as a business premises. In the summer of 1999, the base opened up to the world of creativity, hosting photographic exhibitions, musical events and immersive experiences... And finally, on 10 June 2020, the Bassins des Lumières will see the light of day and open their digital exhibitions to the public.

Why go there?

Open since 10 June 2020, Les Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux offers an astonishing immersion in the paintings of the greatest artists through an extraordinary digital device. The colourful works of art scroll past as the lights and music play. This digital art and creation centre is 5 times bigger than the Atelier des Lumières in Paris. Built in a former submarine base, 5 pools measure 110 metres long and 22 metres wide, with paintings reflected in the water, giving visitors the impression of visiting an underwater museum.

Les Bassins de lumières is an unusual venue for an art exhibition. It's a cultural outing for Bordeaux residents and tourists alike, who will have the opportunity to discover original sound and light exhibitions around the Base's four basins. In addition to a surface area of 12,000 square metres, an impressive array of equipment has been put at the service of art, with 95 video projectors and 120 km of fibre optics. The base was chosen for its four huge pools in which the light from the projections is reflected, adding a totally new dimension to the exhibitions.

The building required more than 600,000 cubic metres of concrete for its construction –a pharaonic figure!

Where to eat?

I Fratelli is an Italian restaurant located just a few metres from the Bassins des lumières. Specialising in Italian cuisine, it offers excellent service and value for money. We recommend a second restaurant for a change of pace, La Côte et l'Arête, located a little further from the art centre. Fresh, home-made produce is served to delight your taste buds.

Where to stay?

Located in the Bassins à flot district, the B&B hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Bassins des lumières and welcomes you to its classically styled establishment.