Palais de la Bourse, 18th-century stock exchange building in Bordeaux, France
The Palais de la Bourse is a neoclassical building with a symmetrical facade, large arcades spanning two floors, and slate-covered roofs overlooking the Garonne River. The structure displays regular proportions and serves today as a venue for business meetings and cultural gatherings.
Architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel designed and built the structure between 1742 and 1749 as part of Bordeaux's urban renewal. It was erected on land that had previously held sections of the medieval city fortifications, marking a shift toward a new urban layout.
The building houses bronze and marble sculptures, including the Three Graces fountain set in the plaza in front of the facade. These figures are central to how people experience the appearance of the place when they visit.
The building sits directly on the river with ample open space, making it easy to walk around and examine from different angles including the surrounding plaza. Visit in mid-afternoon or later when the light brings out details in the stonework and the plaza is less crowded.
A large reflecting pool set into the plaza creates mirror images of the facade that shift throughout the day based on light and weather. This modern addition was designed to showcase the classical architecture in unexpected ways and offers visitors a surprising visual interplay.
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