The Cite de l'Ocean et du Surf is a museum in Biarritz open in 2011 at the end of the Milady beach. It is located in the award-winning structure designed by Steven Holl Architects and Solange Fabião for the 2005 international competition. The structure follows a concept "under the sky" and "under the sea" featuring a curving roof, and in consequence similarly shaped interior spaces and public plaza, which are all seemingly leaning towards the ocean. The 3800 square meters museum includes gallery spaces, a spacious auditorium, a restaurant, cafeteria and administrative offices. It is surrounded by a public outdoor landscaped area that flows from the museum's plaza to the water and is its intrinsic part. The museum’s goal is to let the visitors discover the ocean and its inhabitants in a fun and exciting way. Its hands-on interactive exhibits answer questions such as where does the ocean water come, how are waves created, why is the sea salty and many others.
1 Avenue de la Plage, 64200 Biarritz, France
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