Cité des Arts

Cité des Arts is a contemporary cultural center in Besançon featuring a structure of wood, glass, and aluminum that spans 185 meters along the Doubs River. The facility provides a 290-seat auditorium, two exhibition halls, a resource center, and a restaurant called Le Pixel.

The project was initiated in 2006 by Raymond Forni and Jean-Louis Fousseret, leading to construction in 2010 on the site of a former river port from the 1930s. The building replaced a location that had long served as a connection point between the city and the waterfront.

The center hosts the Regional Conservatory of Greater Besançon and the Regional Collection of Contemporary Art of Franche-Comté within separate exhibition spaces. These institutions allow visitors to experience contemporary artworks and the cultural offerings of the region.

The center is located at Avenue Gaulard and is easily reached from the city center. Visitors should plan time to explore the separate functional areas within the building at a leisurely pace.

The roof incorporates approximately 1,300 square meters of photovoltaic panels and the building holds certifications for low energy consumption and environmental quality. These features are not immediately obvious but significantly support the facility's sustainable operations.

Location: Besançon

Inception: 2013

Architects: Kengo Kuma

Website: http://citedesartsetdelaculture.fr

GPS coordinates: 47.23650,6.03344

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42