Do you know this new must-see place in Brest? A brand new cultural and commercial multimedia center is set up in the former Ateliers des Capucins where generations of workers worked for shipyards. The modernized buildings host many events and entertainment throughout the year. A phenomenal cultural center to discover urgently.
Summary
A breathtaking cultural and commercial multimedia center
A disproportionate urban planning project
In the Recouvrance district, in the historic center of Brest, the industrial wasteland of the Capucins plateau is experiencing a new dynamic. It all started in 2009: the Arsenal de Brest sold the former Ateliers des Capucins located on the right bank of the Penfeld to the municipality of Brest. This one has her little idea to convert them.
In 2015, work began with the aim of creating the largest covered public space in Europe. Just that ! The ultimate goal: to revitalize the Capucins plateau by building an eco-district and an innovation hub. A clever mix of old industrial charm and the advantages of modernity in perspective. From the naval base workshops to the ongoing architectural project, retrace the history of the Ateliers des Capucins on a guided tour.
The Capuchin media library: one of the largest in Europe
A surface of 25,000 m² entirely dedicated to cultural dissemination, artistic production and creative industries, who says better? The three buildings of the former Ateliers des Capucins have been rehabilitated and fitted out to accommodate:
- to the north: a 5-screen multiplex cinema planned for 2019;
- in the centre: a 10,000 m² exhibition hall with gigantic machines retracing the naval industrial activity of the buildings. Shops and catering areas will gradually set up in the surrounding area;
- to the south: a giant media library with 120,000 freely accessible documents and 350,000 in reserve, 900 seats in designer armchairs, freely accessible video game consoles, a large 195-seat auditorium for attending conferences and a exhibition hall of 175 m².
Read also: In Brest, the media libraries offer accessible culture for all Brest residents!
The Capuchin diary filled with entertainment
Skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading, cycling, walking, or dancing (yes!), all means are good to enjoy the Workshops. A piano with free access, food trucks, picnic tables: everything is there to feel good.
Superb exhibitions are regularly organized in the media library and on the passage des Arpètes on the first floor. The view of all the Workshops is a must see. Find the calendar of events here.
Soon: shops, catering and innovation areas as well as the largest climbing hall in all of Brittany and its 17 m high wall!
Useful information
How to get to the Ateliers des Capucins?
Les Ateliers des Capucins are located at 25, rue de Pontaniou, 29200 Brest.
Access can be done by cable car (which is already an impressive attraction in itself) from the city center. Unobstructed view of the Penfeld, the Tanguy Tower and the harbor of Brest guaranteed.
Bus and tram lines also serve the Ateliers des Capucins.
By car, there are parking spaces nearby on the street as well as at the paid parking lot.
The opening hours of the Ateliers des Capucins
Les Ateliers des Capucins are open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As for the “François Mitterrand – Les Capucins” media library, it closes its doors between August 7 and 18, 2018. When it reopens on August 19, it will welcome the public from Tuesday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from September 16, Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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