La Méca in Bordeaux: the cultural epicentre that you can’t afford to miss
There is a place where contemporary art, cinema, literature and the performing arts merge in an innovative space. La Méca in Bordeaux is that place, a cultural complex that has revolutionised the city’s art scene. If you are planning to visit Bordeaux, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this iconic site.
Take a tour with us and enrich your visit with our free tour of Bordeaux. There you will be able to understand the historical context of this contemporary jewel.
What is La Méca in Bordeaux?
La Méca is a multidisciplinary cultural and artistic centre that houses three regional institutions:
- FRAC (Regional Contemporary Art Fund): occupies the upper floors with impressive 7-metre-high exhibition halls and a collection of more than 1,200 works.
- OARA (Regional Arts Office): manages a modular theatre with 252 seats and spaces for artistic residencies, supporting stage creation.
- ALCA (Book, Film and Audiovisual Agency): has screening rooms, production offices and spaces to promote literary and audiovisual creation.
Its name comes from the acronym Maison de l’Économie Créative et de la Culture en Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The project arose from the need to unify these cultural centres that were scattered throughout the city. The initiative, promoted by Alain Rousset, regional president, took shape in 2006 and opened its doors in June 2019.
The person responsible for bringing this architectural vision to life was the Dane Bjarke Ingels and his studio BIG, in collaboration with the French team FREAKS. The result: a monumental building covering 18,000 m², 37 metres high and 120 metres long that acts as a catalyst for the renovation of the Saint-Jean Belcier neighbourhood.
La Méca is located near the train station Saint-Jean de Bordeaux and on the banks of the Garonne River. This strategic location makes it a meeting point between historical heritage and modernity.
5 reasons to discover La Méca in Bordeaux
La Méca stands out for many reasons that make it an essential visit during your stay in Bordeaux. From its striking architecture to its vibrant cultural programme, this multidisciplinary centre offers unique experiences that captivate visitors of all ages.
If you are wondering what to see in Bordeaux in 4 days, be sure to include this place on your itinerary. Here are five reasons that will make your visit unforgettable.
1. Avant-garde architecture
La Méca is an iconic building with a design that combines concrete and glass, blending in perfectly with the urban landscape. Its arch-shaped structure and futuristic lines offer a unique and dynamic visual experience.
The 4,800 concrete panels that cover the façade have a colour scheme that evokes traditional Bordeaux limestone. These elements create a fascinating play of light and shadow that varies according to the time of day.
The architectural masterpiece functions as a symbolic gateway to the city. Its design challenges conventional perceptions by presenting different perspectives from each angle of approach.
2. Multidisciplinary cultural space
Within La Méca, the three institutions that make it up work synergistically to offer a varied programme.
The FRAC presents thought-provoking contemporary art exhibitions. The OARA hosts theatre and dance performances that explore new forms of expression. For its part, the ALCA promotes audiovisual and literary production with activities that foster local creativity. This diversity makes a visit a complete and inspiring experience.
3. Integration with the urban environment
One of the building’s main attractions is its ‘urban room’, an open public space that functions as a meeting point and viewpoint. Ramps and stairs connect the river level with the upper part of the structure, facilitating a route that invites you to stop and contemplate the views.
This central area is open 24 hours a day, inviting locals and tourists to explore it at any time. This integration allows you to enjoy the surroundings without losing the contemporary essence of the construction. You also have the opportunity to discover some of the curiosities of Bordeaux while exploring its surroundings.
4. Panoramic views of Bordeaux
On the fifth floor, an 850-square-metre terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of Bordeaux’s historic centre and the Port of the Moon. From this vantage point, the city is shown in all its splendour. There you can capture unique images and appreciate the fusion of the modern and the traditional.
5. A creative gastronomic experience
La Méca not only feeds the artistic spirit. Inside is the café-restaurant Le CREM. This place invites you to savour creative dishes while enjoying a cosy atmosphere surrounded by art, an excellent opportunity to discover the gastronomy of Bordeaux. A perfect stop to complete the visit and recharge your batteries.
Cultural agenda of La Méca de Bordeaux: unmissable events
La Méca has a dynamic programme that is constantly being updated. There you can enjoy concerts, exhibitions and activities covering a range of disciplines.
Sortie Publique – ASURA Quartet
The ASURA Quartet, winner of the ‘Tremplin d’Action Jazz 2024’ competition, offers a concert that fuses guitar, saxophone, double bass and drums. Their compositions, inspired by nature and open spaces, create an immersive sound environment that thrills the audience.
- Date and time: Thursday 27 February 2025 at 6.30pm.
- Admission: free with prior reservation.
Hatha Yoga at the FRAC
Practise yoga among contemporary artworks and experience a special connection between body, mind and creativity. This activity brings a different touch to the cultural experience, ideal for those looking to relax in an inspiring environment.
- When: every Thursday.
Exhibition ‘Marabout de ficelle’
This exhibition invites you to explore innovative concepts in visual art. The exhibition offers a journey that surprises at every turn and stimulates the imagination.
- Until: 30 March 2025.
‘Spring, Spring’ exhibition
Bringing together works by 35 emerging artists, the exhibition addresses themes such as climate change, identity and social justice. Interactive installations and projections encourage visitors to reflect on current challenges.
- Until: 25th May 2025.
Discover the architecture of the MÉCA
Immerse yourself in the history and design of the building with tours that reveal little-known details. These visits allow you to appreciate up close the architectural conception and the work behind this emblematic construction.
- Guided tours: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
How to get to the Méca in Bordeaux?
La Méca is located at Parvis Corto Maltese, Quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux. You can easily get there by public transport:
- Tramway: line C, Saint-Jean station (5 minutes’ walk).
- Bus: several lines available (check with TBM Bordeaux).
- On foot or by bike: take the river walk from the historic centre (20 minutes on foot) or rent a public bike (V3).
What is there to see near the Méca in Bordeaux?
Visiting the Méca offers the opportunity to explore other places of interest nearby. The area has corners full of history, culture and leisure options.
Stone Bridge (10 minutes on foot)
The Stone Bridge of Bordeaux, built on the orders of Napoleon, connects both banks of the Garonne. Its 17 arches (one for each letter of the emperor’s name) offer an iconic image of the city and privileged views of the historic centre.
Place Stalingrad (8 minutes on foot)
The Place Stalingrad of Bordeaux is presided over by the famous sculpture of the Blue Lion, the work of Xavier Veilhan. The fountains and green areas create a relaxing atmosphere in which to take a break.
La Cité du Vin (15 minutes by tram)
The Cité du Vin in Bordeaux is an interactive museum dedicated to the world’s wine culture. Its shape evokes the movement of wine in a glass and it offers exhibitions, tastings and a viewpoint with panoramic views.
Darwin Eco-Système (15 minutes on foot)
Darwin is an alternative space in Bordeaux, located in former barracks. This collaborative economy project is home to eco-friendly companies, urban art, organic restaurants and numerous cultural events. It is a space that reflects the most avant-garde side of the city.
Bassins des Lumières (20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bike)
Les Bassins des Lumières is the world’s largest digital art centre. Housed in a former submarine base, it features immersive projections that transform masterpieces of art into complete sensory experiences.
In short, the Méca in Bordeaux is an essential destination for any traveller who enjoys contemporary culture and innovative architecture. This space has become an icon of the city, offering a unique experience that combines art, nature and urbanism. If you are planning your next trip, don’t miss the opportunity to discover this cultural epicentre in the heart of Bordeaux.
References:
- Nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com. (2019, 24 June). La MÉCA, the Region’s new cultural space in Bordeaux. Available at: https:// nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com/es/burdeos/meca-bordeaux
- Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. (2019). Qu’est ce que la MÉCA? Available at: https:// la-meca.com/quest-ce-que-la-meca/
- Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. (2019, March). Press kit – MÉCA. Retrieved from https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/47052740/2971c0ba-feb0-44c8-8f24-0c86f71ee43a/DP-Meca-V7-05-03-19.pdf
