New-York, Geneva and Strasbourg: the only cities in the world that welcome international institutions without being capitals of state. The choice of Strasbourg as European capital on the following day of the second world conflict did not happen by chance, but is the symbol of the reconciliation between the people and the future of Europe. Visiting the heart of Europe is also an opportunity to discover fascinating contemporary architecture.
The Council of Europe
Since its creation in 1949, its vocation has been to unite all the democracies of the old continent. Currently 46 member countries, representing about 800 million people, are part of this" club" of pluralistic democracies, that manages in priority the protection of the human rights, but also business, social, educational, cultural and environmental issues.
The Palace of Human Rights
Constructed according to the plans of the British architect Sir Richard Rogers, co-creator of the Center Beaubourg of Paris, was inaugurated in 1995. It shelters the European Court of Human Rights.
Programs of special conferences can be proposed to the public interested in questions of human rights (minimum 15 people).
The building can't be visited inside. The Court audiences are public and generally take place the last week of every month.
The European Parliament, finished in 1999.
Its hemicycle, of a capacity of 750 places, is destined to welcome the monthly sessions of this institution. The architecture of the building, conceived by Architecture Studio Europe, rests on the alliance of a circle and an ellipsis and organizes itself in very identified volumes :
- a building in the shape of wing from which emerges the dome of the hemicycle, designed to welcome 750 parliamentaries ;
- a high tower of 60 m. consisting of 17 levels and 1 133 offices, of working, communication, and leisure spaces.
The building is irrigated by three internal streets, the main street passing through a winter forest garden of philodendrons.
Other European organisms in Strasbourg
- the International institute of Human Rights
- the Central Commission for Navigation of the Rhine (founded in 1816, it is the oldest European institution)
- the European Science Foundation
- the Secretariat for the scientific program "Humain Border"
- the Assembly of the European Regions
- the Center of Regional European Development
- Arte, the European cultural TV.
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