Strasbourg the European Capital

New York, Geneva and Strasbourg are the only cities in the world which are home to international institutions without being national capitals

The choice of Strasbourg as the European capital following the Second World War is no accident. The city stands as a shining symbol of reconciliation between peoples and of the future of Europe. Discovering Europe’s institutions is also a great opportunity to admire some marvellous examples of contemporary architecture.

 The Council of Europe

Ever since it was founded in 1949, the purpose of the Council of Europe has been to bring together all of the democracies of the old continent. Currently 47 member states representing a combined population of approximately 800 million people are members of this "club" for multi-party democracies, whose priorities are the protection of human rights but also social affairs, education, culture and the environment.

 The Human rights building

Built based on the plans of the British architect Sir Richard Rogers, the joint designer of the Beaubourg Centre in Paris, the Human Rights Building was opened in 1995 and houses the European Court of Human Rights.

Programmes of specialised conferences can be proposed for guests with an awareness of, and interest in human rights issues (minimum 15 people).

 The European Parliament

Its 750-seat debating chamber, completed in 1999, is designed to host this institution’s monthly sessions. The architecture of the building designed by Architecture Studio Europe is based on a combination of circles and ellipse, with the Parliament building being organised into several clearly identified areas :

• A wing shaped building. From this "wing" emerges the dome of the hemicycle debating chamber, designed for 750 MEPs,

• A 60 m high tower including 17 floors and 1 133 offices,

• Work place, communication and social areas.

The building has three internal "streets", with the main one featuring a winter garden including a forest of philodendrons.