The Bassins des Lumières is the world’s largest digital art center, housed in a former WWII submarine base in Bordeaux, offering immersive exhibitions that blend monumental architecture with cutting-edge projection technology.
Located in the Bacalan district of Bordeaux, the Bassins des Lumières opened in 2020 and transformed a vast, concrete submarine base into a spectacular venue for digital art. Operated by Culturespaces, this site spans over 12,000 m² of projection surface, with four massive water basins, 90 video projectors, and a soundscape that envelops visitors in a multisensory experience.
The venue occupies part of a German-built submarine base from 1941, a relic of World War II. Its raw concrete architecture and cavernous dimensions provide a dramatic backdrop for digital projections.- The contrast between the somber military structure and vibrant art creates a unique atmosphere—often described as a “cathedral of light”.
The exhibitions feature animated projections of masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Dali, and Gaudí, synchronized with music to create a fully immersive journey through art history. The reflections in the water amplify the visual impact, creating a kaleidoscopic effect that surrounds the viewer from floor to ceiling.
Visitors can download a smartphone app for guided tours and access to exhibition details.
