CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain - A group of people walking down a street next to a building
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CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain

4.1
·3k reviews·Bordeaux, France

A striking 19th-century warehouse transformed into a contemporary art museum, showcasing bold exhibitions within a monumental architectural space.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission for visitors

CrowdHigh
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CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain - A group of people walking down a street next to a building

CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain

Best Time

First Sunday of the month

Free admission for visitors

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking 19th-century warehouse transformed into a contemporary art museum, showcasing bold exhibitions within a monumental architectural space.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"The building's architecture is truly amazing, a highlight in itself!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check First Sunday Details

Free entry on the first Sunday! Book ahead if possible. :admission_tickets:

Embrace the Space

The building's architecture is a highlight. Don't miss the grand hall! :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Hall

The Grand Hall

Central exhibition space

A vast, converted warehouse space often transformed by immersive installations. A true architectural marvel.

Instagram
The Building Itself

The Building Itself

Entire museum

Housed in a stunning 19th-century former colonial warehouse, the architecture is as much a draw as the art.

Reddit
Roof Terrace Views

Roof Terrace Views

Upper level

Enjoy unique perspectives of the city and the museum's layout from this elevated vantage point.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

First Sunday Free Entry

Visiting on the first Sunday of the month? Many Bordeaux museums, including CAPC, offer free admission. Check for booking requirements in advance, as popular spots can fill up quickly. Reddit

Art Appreciation

Contemporary art can be subjective. While some exhibits might feel ordinary, others are captivating. Consider the building's architecture as a highlight, and embrace the experience with an open mind. Reddit

Best Times

When
First Sunday of the month
Why
Free admission for visitors
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Museums in Bordeaux

Check First Sunday Details

Free entry on the first Sunday! Book ahead if possible. Reddit :admission_tickets:

Embrace the Space

The building's architecture is a highlight. Don't miss the grand hall! Instagram :camerawithflash:

Open Mind for Art

Contemporary art is subjective; some exhibits may be more engaging than others. Reddit

Cafe Access

The ground floor cafe might be accessible without a museum ticket. Instagram :coffee:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check First Sunday Details

Free entry on the first Sunday! Book ahead if possible. Reddit :admission_tickets:

Embrace the Space

The building's architecture is a highlight. Don't miss the grand hall! Instagram :camerawithflash:

Open Mind for Art

Contemporary art is subjective; some exhibits may be more engaging than others. Reddit

Cafe Access

The ground floor cafe might be accessible without a museum ticket. Instagram :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the CAPC's stunning 19th-century warehouse architecture and the impressive scale of its grand hall, frequently transformed by captivating installations. While the building itself is a highlight, opinions on the contemporary art exhibitions vary, with some finding them less engaging than others. The museum offers good value, especially with free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

"Expected more of the museum of modern art. Most of expositions are quite boring and ordinary. We took a guidebook to read about the expositions, but it didn’t help a lot. There was an exposition with a table and chairs. There is no mentioning that you could not sit on the chairs, but you could not. You could take a stool at the beginning of the tour - this is comfortable. The ticket costs 8euros."

Александра Лежнева

"I give five stars for the building. It is truly amazing! However, the exhibition is not so interesting, a bit perfunctory, I would say. The first floor was closed except a small gallery for antiques.
Anyway, if you have time to kill in Bordeaux, it is still a good place to go."

Karry Oo

"I'm not well-versed in contemporary art concepts, so I can't fully judge the entire collection. However, there were several pieces that I found to be quite good."

Khang Ly

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Grand hall installations
Unique building space

What People Dislike

Variable art quality
Some exhibits ordinary

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is conveniently located near the riverfront. You can reach it by tram (line B, C, or D to the 'Chartrons' stop) or by bus. Walking from the city center is also feasible, taking about 20-30 minutes. Instagram

Street parking is available in the surrounding area, but it can be limited and metered. Public parking garages are also an option, such as the Q-Park Bourse Maritime. Instagram

Yes, it's a pleasant walk along the Garonne river. It takes approximately 20-30 minutes from the Place de la Bourse area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard admission is typically around 8 euros. However, it's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any special exhibition surcharges. Reddit

Yes, the first Sunday of the month offers free admission to CAPC and other Bordeaux museums. It's advisable to book your free ticket online in advance, as they can be popular. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's recommended to verify the exact hours on their official website before your visit, as they may differ for specific exhibitions or holidays.

Yes, purchasing tickets online is often recommended, especially for free admission days or during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Check their official website for booking options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

CAPC focuses on contemporary art, featuring a diverse range of exhibitions from established and emerging artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works. Reddit

Sometimes, certain floors or galleries might be closed for renovations or specific installations. Reviews mention the first floor being partially closed at times. Always check onsite for current accessibility. Reddit

Guided tours may be offered, particularly for temporary exhibitions. Inquire at the information desk upon arrival or check the museum's schedule online for details and availability.

While contemporary art can be abstract, some installations might engage children. The vast spaces can be fun to explore. Consider the specific exhibition's nature when planning a family visit.

The grand hall is often used for large-scale installations. Walk around it, take in the scale, and appreciate how the art interacts with the monumental architecture. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located on the ground floor. It's noted that you might be able to access the cafe without purchasing a museum ticket, making it a nice spot for a break. Instagram

Typically, food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition galleries to protect the artworks. However, you can usually consume them in designated areas like the cafe or outside spaces.

The museum is situated in the Chartrons district, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. You'll find options ranging from casual bistros to more upscale dining experiences.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Some temporary exhibitions may have specific restrictions, so always look for signage. Instagram

The grand hall with its impressive scale and any featured installations offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The building's architecture itself, both interior and exterior, is also very photogenic. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around cultural institutions for safety and privacy reasons. It's highly unlikely to be permitted without special authorization.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting CAPC with children can be an adventure! The vast, open spaces of the former warehouse are often a hit with younger visitors, offering room to move and explore. While some contemporary art might be abstract, look for installations that are visually engaging or interactive. The sheer scale of the grand hall can be awe-inspiring for kids. Instagram Consider checking the museum's schedule for any family-specific workshops or exhibitions that might be more tailored to younger audiences. Remember to manage expectations regarding the art's complexity and focus on the experience of being in such a unique building. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

CAPC offers excellent value, especially for budget-conscious travelers. The first Sunday of the month provides free admission, making it an ideal time to visit if your schedule aligns. Reddit Even outside of free days, the 8-euro admission fee is quite reasonable for a major art museum. Furthermore, the ground-floor cafe may be accessible without a ticket, offering a chance to enjoy the ambiance and perhaps a coffee without incurring museum entry costs. Instagram The museum's location also means you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the riverfront to reach it, saving on transportation costs. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel

The CAPC Musée d'Art Contemporain is housed within a magnificent 19th-century former colonial warehouse. This industrial heritage building, with its vast, open spaces and raw brickwork, provides a dramatic backdrop for contemporary art. The sheer scale of the grand hall is breathtaking, often transformed into a canvas for monumental installations that play with the building's unique acoustics and light. Visitors frequently praise the architecture as a significant highlight, sometimes even more so than the art itself. InstagramReddit

Exploring the museum is an experience in itself, with the building's structure guiding your path. The interplay of light and shadow, the exposed beams, and the sheer volume of space create a unique atmosphere. It’s a testament to adaptive reuse, transforming a historical industrial site into a vibrant cultural hub. The roof terrace also offers a different perspective, allowing you to appreciate the museum's integration into the Bordeaux cityscape. Instagram

Navigating Contemporary Art

Contemporary art can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. At CAPC, exhibitions range from the thought-provoking to the abstract. Some visitors find certain displays 'boring and ordinary,' while others are 'captivated by the art.' Reddit It's helpful to approach the collection with an open mind and perhaps utilize any available guidebooks or audio guides to gain context. Remember that art is subjective, and what resonates with one person may not with another. Reddit

When encountering an exhibit, such as the mentioned 'table and chairs' installation, try to understand the artist's intent. Sometimes, the interaction or lack thereof is part of the piece. If stools are provided, use them to engage with the work comfortably. The museum's strength lies in its ability to present diverse contemporary voices within its striking architectural setting. Reddit

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