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Cultural center · Bordéus, Nova Aquitânia
Bassins des Lumières
Digital art centre installed in the former World War II submarine base, with 360-degree projections reflected on the water of the tanks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bassins des Lumières
The Bassins des Lumières operate inside the Base sous-marine de Bordeaux, one of the five submarine bases built by the Germans on the French Atlantic coast during World War II. Built between 1941 and 1943, it housed German and Italian submarines. The concrete walls and ceiling are several metres thick.
Today the space hosts immersive exhibitions: images projected on all the walls, on the floor and over the water of four large tanks, accompanied by music. The reflections on the water multiply the images and create the sensation of being inside the artwork. Programmes change throughout the year and typically feature a long exhibition dedicated to a painter and shorter ones on varied themes.
There is also the Cube, a room dedicated to contemporary creations. Next door is the Boîte noire, a cultural space for the neighbourhood.
The base is in the Bassins à flot district, the old docks of Bordéus, near the Cité du Vin and the Musée Mer Marine. The place, cold and damp, retains the look of a bunker.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1½ hours to see the full programme.
Best time
Midweek and early in the morning, when there are fewer people. Check the programme on display before you go, as it changes throughout the year.
How to get there
Tram B to the Les Hangars or Cité du Vin stop and about a 10-minute walk. There are also bus lines that stop near the base.
Tip
Buy a timed ticket online. Bring a jacket: the interior of the base is cool even in summer. Combine it with a visit to the Cité du Vin in the same neighbourhood.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bassins des Lumières
Are the Bassins des Lumières open year-round?
They are usually open year-round, with short closures between exhibition changes. Check the schedule before you go.
What is the submarine base?
It's a concrete shelter built by the Germans between 1941 and 1943 to protect German and Italian submarines. After the war it became a cultural space for the city.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The projections are for all ages, and some programs are designed for families. The floor is dark and there are edges with water: hold young children by the hand.