Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image Discover the history of the 9th art and its exhibitions in Angoulême

International City of Comics and Images in Angoulême: A Museum Dedicated to the 9th Art

Discover the International City of Comics and Images in Angoulême : museum, original comic strips, exhibitions, graphic heritage and contemporary creation in Charente.

A cultural venue dedicated to comics and images

Located on the banks of the Charente River in Angoulême, the International City of Comics and Images is a cultural institution dedicated to the history, creation, and transmission of comics. It brings together several spaces devoted to the ninth art, imagery, and graphic culture, with heritage collections, exhibitions, a specialized library, and cultural activities open to diverse audiences.

Its presence contributes to the identity of Angoulême, the capital of comics, a city known for its International Comics Festival and for the place given to illustration in its cultural landscape.

A museum to understand the history of the 9th art

The Comics Museum offers a journey through several centuries of the medium's history, from its earliest forms to contemporary creations. The collections include original comic strips, drawings, printed documents, albums, and various objects that illuminate the evolution of techniques, styles, and graphic narratives.

The preserved works bear witness to the diversity of French and international comics. They allow us to observe the work of the artists, the construction of the characters, the composition of the panels, the choices of coloring and the stages that lead from the preparatory drawing to the published album.

Temporary exhibitions regularly refresh the visitor experience by exploring authors, series, publishing houses, or themes related to society and creativity. This journey appeals to long-time readers, families, drawing enthusiasts, and visitors eager to discover the behind-the-scenes world of comics.

A graphic heritage preserved and passed on

Beyond its exhibition spaces, the International City of Comics and Images plays a role in preserving graphic heritage. The heritage library brings together publications and documents that allow us to trace the history of comics, from its earliest forms to the most recent productions.

A specialized library, a documentation center, and research resources complete this complex. These facilities contribute to the preservation of the works and the study of their history, while facilitating access to knowledge for students, researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts.

The Cité also supports contemporary creation through the Maison des auteurs (Authors' House ), which hosts artists in residence. This aspect allows the museum's preserved heritage to be linked to current practices in drawing, screenwriting, illustration, and visual storytelling.

Buildings that also tell a story

The site's architecture contributes to its identity. The former Cognac cellars, renovated to house the collections and cultural spaces, recall the industrial and commercial history of the Charente region. Their transformation exemplifies the conversion of old buildings into cultural facilities adapted to contemporary uses.

The complex is spread across several sites, including the wine cellars located on the Quai de la Charente and the Vaisseau Mœbius on Rue de Bordeaux. A pedestrian bridge connects the main visitor areas. This layout combines built heritage, contemporary architecture, and facilities dedicated to visual media.

Cultural activities for all audiences

The program includes temporary exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, and cultural outreach activities. Activities designed for children and families explore drawing, storytelling through images, and the various stages of creating a comic strip.

The bookshop offers a selection of albums, specialist books, and publications related to the exhibitions. The Cité cinema, the library, and the documentation centers complete the cultural offerings, making the institution a place for visiting, reading, and discovery.

A cultural address in the heart of Angoulême

Located near the historic center, the Cité is easily explored as part of a day dedicated to Angoulême 's heritage. The banks of the Charente River offer a pleasant setting for a stroll, while the upper town allows visitors to discover the ramparts, the old streets, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and the murals that reference comic strips.

The institution is located in a region where image, illustration, publishing, and cinema play a significant role. It thus represents a cultural stop for visitors wishing to understand the history of the 9th art and discover one of the leading French institutions dedicated to comics.

Practical information

The Comics Museum is located on Quai de la Charente, 16000 Angoulême. Opening hours and admission prices vary depending on the area and time of year. Free parking is available near the museum at 2 Rue des Abras. Exhibition times, access information, and the program schedule should be consulted on the museum's official website before your visit.

What is there to discover within 30 km of Angoulême?

The surrounding area offers opportunities to extend your visit with the exploration of the Charente River, hiking trails, and countryside landscapes. La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois, with its castle and historic center, makes for an interesting day trip. The markets of Angoulême, Ruelle-sur-Touvre, and Châteauneuf-sur-Charente provide a chance to discover local produce, while the villages and winding roads of the Charente region invite you to explore its rural heritage and traditional crafts.