No one can deny that the city of Bourges has many assets. The richness of its historical and cultural heritage and its events of international importance make it a perfect candidate to be European Capital of Culture in 2028.

For a very long time Capital of Berry, Bourges wishes to take up a new challenge for 2028. The City of Bourges is launching the race because it largely meets the various criteria to apply for this European label. Here are 5 reasons that prove the diversity of Berruyère's cultural wealth.

Its historical heritage

When you walk through the small streets of the city center, you understand that the city has had a glorious past. This sector, which has been preserved since 1965, has a remarkable built heritage. Between the remains of a Gallo-Roman rampart, the Jacques-Coeur Palace, the mansions, and the half-timbered houses, the historic center illustrates the diversity of the cultural offer of Bourges. Without forgetting its jewel, Saint-Etienne Cathedral, dating from the 1992th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since XNUMX. 

Its festivals

PDB-2018

We no longer present the famous Spring of Bourges. A real rendezvous since 1977, each year it brings together the big names of French song and the international scene.
Others are also doing well, such as the BulleBerry Comics Festival, which brings together enthusiasts of the genre. The latest, the Humor & Wine festival, which mixes a comedy show and a wine fair. Classical music also has its own festival with Autumn Baroque… This non-exhaustive list shows the various facets of culture with a capital C.

Its new House of Culture

The first Maison de la Culture in Bourges was inaugurated in 1963 by André Malraux, Minister of Cultural Affairs at the time. In 1994, the building was classified as a historic monument, its red brick facade has become the symbol of culture in the Berruyer landscape. In 2021, a new House of Culture in a more modern style is born. Composed of two cinemas, a rehearsal room and two performance halls, this national scene offers an eclectic program for all audiences to discover urgently. 

Its natural heritage

Culture is also the natural heritage of a territory. Bourges is fortunate to have several urban gardens, including one labeled Jardin Remarquable: that of the Pres-Fichaux. A stone's throw from the historic center, the Marais de Bourges are undoubtedly the green lungs of the city. With its 135 hectares of greenery and market garden plots, it is a true sanctuary for local wildlife. 

His artistic sense

Proof that Culture is at the heart of the territory's concerns, several museums in the Berruyère city: that of the Resistance and Deportation, one that speaks of the Train and Military Crews and finally the Natural History Museum specializing in bald people -mouse. The old museums are being modernized and the project to create a large-scale museum center has been launched for 2030, to create a place of life and sharing around the various collections owned by the city.
Added to this are about fifteen art galleries and even a National School of Art, just that. Contemporary art is not to be outdone, with the association l'Antre-Peaux which offers exhibitions, events and shows throughout the year. Don't forget the movement Bourges Contemporary, a contemporary art trail in Bourges and Berry. 

Events

Project Europa Metro, with its soft mobility network, highlights Culture on every street corner. An initiative led by Bourges 2028, to support the Bourges European Capital of Culture candidacy. A route in the historic center, but not only, just follow the markings on the ground of different colors to discover places or actors in the city. Imaginary metro lines, with well-defined stations.