ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Strasbourg Tramway Line B Opens with Public Art Commissions

architecture-design · 2026-05-01

In September 2001, Strasbourg inaugurated its Line B tramway, aligning with a significant public art initiative curated by Christian Bernard from Mamco. The project featured contributions from seven prominent artists, including Zaha Hadid and Siah Armajani, alongside musicians like Rodophe Burger and notable writers such as Jacques Roubaud. It spanned key areas including Strasbourg and nearby Schiltigheim, exploring urban experience through art. Key installations included Bert Theis's Monument aux vivants and Zaha Hadid's architectural terminal. The month also hosted a symposium titled "Quel art pour l'espace public?" and the publication of "L'Art dans l'usage public."

Key facts

  • Tramway Line B inaugurated September 2001 in Strasbourg, France
  • Program coordinated by Christian Bernard, director of Mamco Geneva
  • Seven artists, one musician, eight writers, two philosophers participated
  • Works located in Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, Bisscheim, Hoenheim
  • Bert Theis created Monument aux vivants. Spirale Warburg referencing Aby Warburg
  • Zaha Hadid designed the northern terminal with concrete slabs
  • Rodophe Burger produced sound installation with residents' voices
  • Symposium and book publication planned for September 2001

Entities

Artists

  • Siah Armajani
  • Bert Theis
  • Jean-Luc Vilmouth
  • Alain Séchas
  • Jean-Marie Krauth
  • Zaha Hadid
  • Nicolas Faure
  • Rodophe Burger
  • Jacques Roubaud
  • Michel Deutsch
  • Jean-Luc Nancy
  • Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe
  • Christian Bernard
  • Aby Warburg
  • Richard Serra
  • Georg Simmel
  • Marie de Brugerolle

Institutions

  • Mamco Geneva
  • Oulipo
  • École nationale d'administration
  • éd. de l'Imprimeur
  • éd. Allia

Locations

  • Strasbourg
  • France
  • Schiltigheim
  • Bisscheim
  • Hoenheim
  • Elsau
  • Place de la République
  • Kayserplatz
  • Hitlerplatz
  • Strasbourg University Library

Sources