Bassins de Lumières (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Bassins de Lumières?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Kids over 2 enjoy giant moving art, family tickets save money, strollers and free headphones help, yet low light, loud sound, and open water require vigilant supervision throughout.
Positives:
- Strollers allowed: You can wheel a stroller through wide aisles for the 3-year-old.
- Free parking: Drive up early to grab a free spot on-site.
Challenges:
- Low light: The dark rooms may disorient younger kids—hold hands when moving.
- Unexpected sound bursts: Sudden volume changes can startle; use headphones for sensitive ears.
What is Bassins de Lumières?
- A historic WWII submarine base transformed into a digital art center in Bordeaux
- A 3,500-square-meter industrial hall featuring expansive water basins and concrete walls adapted for large-scale projection
- A digital art venue that stages thematic exhibitions through high-definition projection mapping and spatialized sound
What is so special about Bassins de Lumières for with kids?
- Self-guided light and sound shows designed for kids.
- Interactive projections from famous artists like Mondrian.
- Strollers and free parking make it easy for families.
- Noise-canceling headphones available for sensitive ears.
- Manageable 1.5–3 hour visit keeps young ones engaged.
Recommended visit duration: 1.5-3 hours
Why 1.5-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you explore all projection rooms at a pace suitable for young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Bassins de Lumières
Experience the Cube projection:
Watch artworks from Dutch Masters come to life on the water and walls.
Tip: Stand near the pool edge for reflections and stay low so kids can see easily.
Follow the Mondrian journey:
See geometric shapes and bright colors transform the space.
Tip: Explain the shapes as a game to keep children engaged.
Try noise-canceling headphones:
Borrow headphones to protect sensitive ears during loud moments.
Tip: Leave an ID at reception and ask for small sizes for kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bassins de Lumières
- Book in advance: Reserve your time slot on the official site to secure family tickets.
- Arrive early: Come 10 minutes before your slot to settle in without rushing.
Reviews of Bassins de Lumières
madalene bonvini-hamel
Absolutely fantastic! The magic is the fact the exhibition is in a World War Two submarine building. History at its best. The Ocean exhibition is outstanding.
Grace Trinkl
INCROYABLE!!!! We visited this amazing site on a sunny day in September…and we were awestruck! Culturespaces has done an outstanding job of creating something beautiful from something truly ugly from a very ugly time. And the main exhibitions change, which would support regular visits! It is simple to get to this art center from the heart of Bordeaux…an easy tram ride and then an accessible wal...
Kathy T
Given the location and historical uniqueness, this is the perfect venue and acoustics for the light and sound show. Plan to stay 2 hours or more to thoroughly enjoy it
John Abrahamson
One of the coolest art exhibits ever. Similar to the one in Las Vegas, but what makes this one special, is that it's within a WWII submarine bunker. Absolutely fantastic! Love how they're revitalizing the surrounding area too. A must see with your Citypass
Deb Fitzpatrick
Not for us. The day we went, the exhibition we went to see wasn't on as it was a Sunday they had a special presentation. The little princess, we should have known just by the name, it was a childrens fantasy exhibition. We asked before we paid $54 if it was suitable for older people and the teenager said it would. The redeeming feature was it was housed in a WWII submarine bunker and the story ...
When is the best time to visit Bassins de Lumières (Bordeaux, France)?
Book slots online in summer holidays to avoid sold-out times. In winter, pair your visit with a hot chocolate at a nearby café before heading back.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (16€) x2 | EUR 32 |
| Youth ticket (9€) | EUR 9 |
| Snacks and drinks | EUR 10 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 51 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Bassins de Lumières
Address: Imp. Brown de Colstoun, 33300 Bordeaux, France
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About Bassins de Lumières
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+33 5 35 00 00 9010 BEST nearby Activities
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