Base Sous-Marine de Bordeaux, Naval base and museum in Bacalan district, France
The Base sous-marine de Bordeaux is a naval base and museum in the Bacalan district, comprising eleven interconnected concrete and granite cells that extend 245 meters in length and 162 meters in width. The massive concrete structures resemble enormous bunkers and now host cultural exhibitions within their walls.
The Todt Organization built this facility between 1941 and 1943 to house Italian and German submarines during World War II. After the war ended, the installation was abandoned and eventually transformed into a public space.
The Bassins des Lumières occupies four former submarine cells to showcase immersive digital art exhibitions with projections on walls and water. Visitors encounter a blend of history and contemporary art within a space that once served military purposes.
Plan your visit for early morning hours when the site is less crowded and you can explore the spaces more freely. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance which areas are fully accessible, as not all sections of the structure are easily navigable.
A memorial stands in front of the building honoring Spanish Republican forced laborers who died constructing this military facility. This overlooked chapter reveals the human cost behind the concrete structures.
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