In the 1970s, a new location was to be created for the traditional conservatory of the city of Bordeaux. A site next to the romanesque church of Sainte-Croix on the nearby banks of the River Garonne was selected for this purpose. Francisque Perrier and Raymond Mothe won the preliminary architectural competition. Their design envisioned a building complex centred around a flat structure with an irregular pentagonal floor plan and a cylindrical central top section. Its appearance is largely characterised by the horizontal lines of narrow window bands and overhanging and set-back façade elements. Directly connected is another part of the building, whose façade is essentially designed with curtain elements with narrow, vertical light slits. The style of the whole complex is characterised by the beige, exposed aggregate concrete surfaces, which make up a large part of the façades and act as a modern interpretation of the shell limestone that predominates in Bordeaux. The parts of the building facing the Sainte Croix church are adjoined by green terraces and staircases.

The conservatory, named after Jacques Thibaud, a violinist born in Bordeaux, is one of the leading conservatories in France.

Written by Valentin J. Hemberger

In use. The building shows signs of technical and energetic obsolescence, and a major renovation is planned. At present, it is unclear to what extent the renovation will preserve the building’s brutalist appearance.
The Conservatoire national de région Jacques Thibaud in Bordeaux is listed in the Bordeaux Métropole heritage inventory and is therefore recognized as a significant example of modern architecture. However, as of today, it has no confirmed national heritage protection (last updated on December 18, 2025).