Few people tend to associate France with surfing, yet it is there, in the south of the country, that the Museum of the Ocean stands — one of the defining landmarks of Biarritz. A masterpiece of contemporary architecture, it attracted widespread attention from leading publications even before its opening, including Archdaily, which awarded it the prestigious title of Building of the Year.
The surfing museum also serves a scientific purpose. It is a place for researching the ocean and its role in our lives, in science and in ecology. Yet that is not its greatest distinction.
The museum was designed by Steven Holl — stevenholl.com in collaboration with Solange Fabio — solangefabiao.com. The building was conceived around the twin concepts of 'beneath the sky' and 'underwater'. It takes the form of a space evoking headlands rising above the waves, which allows it to integrate seamlessly into the natural landscape.
The concave 'open sky' form defines the character of the Place de l'Océan — a space ideally suited to large-scale events: festivals, gatherings, or simply a leisurely walk. Imagine that atmosphere, accompanied by the sound of the ocean and a fresh sea breeze.
The 'underwater' interior is dedicated to exhibitions and displays. The sense of vast space is felt from the moment of entry, and from the entrance halls broad exhibition platforms are visible beneath a dynamically curved surface that is brought to life by moving images and the play of light. The complex also includes cafés and restaurants on an open terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, as well as training simulators and a surfing pool.
The museum's accolades extend beyond Archdaily's Building of the Year title — it has also received several further awards: the 2011 Emirates Glass Leaf Award, the 2011 Annual Design Review, and the 2012 American Architecture Award.
The Museum of the Ocean and Surfing is a one-of-a-kind attraction that draws not only wave enthusiasts but also admirers of aesthetically striking architecture.
If you enjoy contemporary museums, we recommend reading our feature on the Museum dedicated to BMW, as well as our piece on the museum of contemporary art in Munich.
