Right in the heart of Nîmes, facing the Maison Carrée and just a short walk from the Arènes de Nîmes, the Carré d’Art stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive modern landmarks. Designed by architect Norman Foster and inaugurated in 1993, the building creates a deliberate dialogue between contemporary architecture and Roman heritage.

A site shaped by history

The Carré d’Art occupies a historically significant location: part of the ancient Roman forum of Nîmes, once the civic and social center of the city. In the 19th century, a neoclassical theater was built on this site, playing an important cultural role until it was destroyed by fire in 1952.

For several decades, the space remained vacant. In the 1980s, the city chose not to reconstruct the former theater, but instead to create a new cultural institution that would reflect both continuity and renewal.

A dialogue between past and present

The building is characterized by its clean lines, transparency, and use of glass, steel, and concrete. Its proportions and rhythm subtly echo those of the Maison Carrée opposite, without imitating it.

One of its most striking features is the visual relationship between the two monuments: the glass façade reflects the ancient temple, creating a constant interplay between antiquity and modernity.

Inside, a central atrium allows natural light to circulate throughout the building, giving a sense of openness and clarity. Movement between floors is fluid, reinforcing the building’s accessible and welcoming character.

A dual cultural function

Carré d’Art combines two main functions:

• A contemporary art museum, located on the upper floors, presenting works from the 1960s to the present day. The collection includes major figures of contemporary art, alongside temporary exhibitions that regularly renew the visitor experience.
• A public library (médiathèque), occupying the lower levels, offering books, digital resources, and study spaces. It is widely used by residents, students, and visitors, making the building an active part of daily life in Nîmes.

A living cultural space

Beyond its permanent functions, Carré d’Art hosts a variety of cultural activities throughout the year, including exhibitions, talks, screenings, and workshops. This programming reinforces its role as an open and dynamic cultural hub.

A symbol of continuity

More than just a modern building, the Carré d’Art reflects a strong sense of urban and cultural continuity. Built on the site of the ancient Roman forum and facing the Maison Carrée, it perpetuates the tradition of this space as a place for gathering, exchange, and public life. By integrating contemporary architecture into a historic setting, it illustrates how Nîmes balances past and present—making it an essential stop for understanding the city today.