Bordeaux, Port de la lune

The southwestern French port town of Bordeaux has developed a unique and refined urban culture set against the rich background of its wine production tradition that dates back to the Roman era and the wealth brought about by its ocean trade. The city, a crescent-shaped form along the Garonne River near the Atlantic Ocean, led to its “port de la lune” (port of the moon) moniker. The city reached its heyday in the 18th century, and built its magnificent array of classical and neoclassical architecture through a major urban planning scheme that was carried out a century before Paris’ urban reorganization. This exhibition realized through the wholehearted cooperation of Bordeaux city presents the development of art and culture across Bordeaux’s long history, from the prehistoric era to the present day. Along with introducing the many painters and art works with connections to Bordeaux, such as Delacroix, Redon and Goya, this exhibition will also feature a broad array of items, including such important archaeological and historical materials as the famous Venus with a Horn (Venus of Laussel), and many of the decorative art items that tell the story of the lives of the Bordeaux citizens of the past. Presenting more than 200 diverse works, this exhibition will traverse the rich urban history of Bordeaux with its trademark wines as guide.