Cité des Arts, Contemporary art center by the Doubs River, Besançon, France
Cité des Arts houses both a music conservatory and a contemporary art museum along the Doubs River. The structure features a checkerboard exterior of wood, glass, and aluminum, with interior spaces designed for classes, performances, and gallery displays.
The building opened in 2013, replacing a 1930s river port that had stood on this site. Architect Kengo Kuma designed the structure to sit along the water and bridge the gap between the city and the waterfront.
The center brings together a music school and an art museum, creating a place where performances and exhibitions happen side by side. You can experience both live music and contemporary art displays within the same walls, shaping how people use the space daily.
The building is organized into distinct areas for exhibitions, performances, and educational spaces with clear signage throughout. Plan to spend at least a few hours here to explore both art displays and any performances happening that day.
The roof features about 1,300 square meters (14,000 sq ft) of solar panels arranged in a pixelated pattern, powering the building with minimal environmental impact. This integration of renewable energy into the design shows how sustainability can work with modern architecture.
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