The 20th edition of the Festival des Architectures Vives takes place from June 09 to 14, 2026 in Montpellier! This year’s festival theme is LA TRANSMISSION. Ephemeral contemporary architecture takes over the historic center. The festival offers a chance to discover the inner courtyards of several private mansions in the Écusson, through an unusual architectural route. The 13 projects you can discover: ► Architecture en mouvement Let yourself be surprised by installations that transform your perception of space: Le Continuum comme Espace-Temps (Hôtel des Trésoriers de la Bourse) Liminality (Hôtel d’Hortoles) Vertige (Faculté de Médecine) Visual distortions, perspective play, and sensations of vertigo… here, visitors become part of the work. Boundaries fade away to reveal a living dialogue between heritage and contemporary creation. ► Matière & engagement Mât-Tiers (Hôtel de Lunas) Sablier (Hôtel de Griffy) Une Ombre Bleue devient une Relique (Hôtel Sabatier d’Espeyran) Committed works that question our relationship with resources: reuse of materials, the fragility of sand, nature’s traces… A sensitive and poetic approach to today’s ecological challenges. ► Sons & émotions Raconte-moi un Secret (Hôtel de Grave) Le Nuage Suspendu (Hôtel de Rozel) La Lyre et la Couronne (Hôtel Audessan) Make way for interaction and contemplation: whispered confidences, suspended chimes, poetic structures… Each installation creates an immersive experience where sound and emotion intertwine. ►Playful & immersive experiences Transphères (Hôtel de Beaulac) Le Sens du Détail (Hôtel Baschy du Cayla) Panache de Lumière (Hôtel de la Petite Loge) Handle, observe, feel: balancing games, enhanced architectural details, light installations… An accessible and surprising route for visitors of all ages. ► Le Pavillon Téisser, the beating heart of the event Installed at Hôtel Saint-Côme, this participatory pavilion transforms the courtyard into a giant loom. Everyone is invited to contribute to the work by adding their own touch. A lively, welcoming place… and the ideal spot to leave with a souvenir of this anniversary edition.
Event from the official Montpellier agenda; venue: Office de Tourisme Montpellier; address: Festival des Architectures Vives, 34000, Montpellier.
Source: Agenda Montpellier