CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain

Overview

The CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain de Bordeaux occupies a breathtaking 19th-century colonial warehouse — the Entrepôt Lainé — whose soaring stone nave and vast volumes create one of the most dramatic contemporary art spaces in France.

Highlights

• The Nave: A 7,200 m² vaulted stone hall rising to 12 meters, originally used to store colonial goods from French overseas territories.
• The Collection: Over 1,300 works from the 1960s to the present, including major pieces by Richard Long, Keith Haring, and Annette Messager.
• Architecture: The juxtaposition of raw stone warehouse and contemporary installations creates a uniquely atmospheric experience.

History

The Entrepôt Lainé was built in 1824 as a bonded warehouse for colonial imports. The CAPC opened in 1973 as one of France's first dedicated contemporary art spaces, pioneering the conversion of industrial buildings into cultural venues.

Visitor Tips

• Late Wednesdays: Extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays.
• The Bookshop: An excellent selection of contemporary art books and exhibition catalogues.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.