The Art Center
On the rehabilitated site of the former Crest fire station, the Art Center is a municipal facility of 200 m² dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
The center hosts exhibitions that invite to discover the diversity of artistic expressions, between modern times, art and crafts and contemporary art.
As part of its exhibitions at the Art Center, the City of Crest offers a program of events and educational animations to share art and techniques with all audiences.
EXHIBITION IN PROGRESS
On your bike ! Artistic and historical escapades
July 1 – October 11, 2026
Hop on your bike and leisurely explore the backroads. Saddle up and ride to work. Speed off and feel the exhilarating rush. For some 150 years, the bicycle – affectionately known in France as the « Little Queen » – has captured the imagination, inspiring artists with its aesthetics, function and technical innovations.
It began as a simple matter of balance, but the bicycle soon transcended its status as a mere object. Offering path to independence, pleasure and emancipation, it continues to win over new enthusiasts. The ever-evolving ways we use it in our daily lives reveal just how much this machine has contributed to societal change since its invention.
On your bike ! explores the connections forged over the centuries between bicycles, art and history. Vintage bikes, drawings, photographs, sculptures, posters, paintings and iconic memorabilia from past racers – a diverse array of artistic expressions celebrating the bicycle. Clever touches and a unique exhibition design create an experience open to everyone, from dedicated enthusiasts to casual fan.
The exhibition opens with a historical section tracing the key milestones in the invention of the bicycle.
As an evolving object that has influenced social norms, the bicycle also played a role in the emancipation of women and the working class; the exhibition highlights this through local stories, vintage photographs and archives from cycling clubs in Crest.
The Tour de France – a global cycling phenomenon – also takes center stage ! Archival footage, drawings, posters and jerseys worn by Richard Virenque and Louison Bobet evoke the race’s history and the incredible passion it still inspires today.
Finally, a mechanics workshop at the end of the exhibition showcases modern technical improvements. Two innovative local manufacturers are featured : Cycles Vène from Rochefort-Samson and Corima from Loriol-sur-Drôme.
This exhibition was designed and produced by the City of Crest. It was made possible thanks to USC Cylotourisme, numerous items loaned by passionate private collectors, the National Sports Museum in Nice and the Musée Dauphinois – Département de l’Isère.
NEXT EXHIBITION
Night
October 22 – December 14, 2025
INCOMING EXHIBITION
EVENTS
# Guided tour
Thursday, July 9; Friday, August 21; Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m.
Reservations required : reservation@mairie-crest.fr or 04 75 76 61 38
Subject to availability
# La Petite Reine – A performance reading by Les Transformateurs company
Wednesday September 2, at 3 p.m.
Centre d’art de Crest
A playful literary journey centered on the bicycle
Reservations required : reservation@mairie-crest.fr or 04 75 76 61 38
Subject to availability
# Biclou – A show by Les Transformateurs company
Wednesday, September 2 at 6 p.m.
Place Medvode, Centre d’art de Crest
Biclou is a show, but also a mobile repair workshop and a bicycle tour. The set consists of the house-on-wheels-workshop belonging to the Mechanic – a solitary, nomadic character. At the start, the Biclou (bikes) lies in a heap in the center of the performance area. The audience watches as the Mechanic – who is himself somewhat falling apart – reassembles it. Who is putting whom back together ?
Through these characters, Les Transformateurs company explores the fragilities of our times, placing the concept of repair at the heart of the Biclou project.
A DIY bicycle repair workshop will be offered to the public priori to the performance.
# Crest DH Urban Race
Sunday, September 6
Crest town center
The Crest DH Urban Race is a downhill moutain bike and FTT (all-terrain wheelchair) race featuring a mix of singletrack and urban terrain that winds through the town of Crest. Seventy riders start from the heights above the town, navigating a course dotted with wooden obstacles right in the heart of the medieval center. It is a fast-paced race against the clock, with riders vying to qualify for the final run featuring the top 20 competitors.
Find out more at www.crestdhurbanrace.com
# Cycling Tour
Suaturday, September 26; staggered starts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Start point at the Centre d’art de Crest
Organized by U.S.C. Cyclotourisme, with the support of CODEP 26, this is a unique cycling tour featuring Thierry Adam, former Tour de France commentator.
Reservations required : reservation@mairie-crest.fr or 04 75 76 61 38
Subject to availability
# Eco-mobility awareness afternoon
Wednesday, October 7, starting at 2:30 p.m.
Place Medvode, Centre d’art de Crest
In collaboration with the Sustainable Development Departement, the Communauté de Communes du Crestois et du Pays de Saillans, the associations Dromolib and Vélo dans la Ville will come together to promote and showcase eco-mobility support programs.
Dromolib will offer a bike handling course as well as a DIY bike repair workshop, allowing you to have your bike assessed and perform the essential adjustements needed for safe riding.
Preparing for your visit
Days, schedule, prices and getting there
Place Medvode (Champ-de-mars)
26400 Crest
09 61 67 27 33 / 04 75 76 61 38
contact@centredartdecrest.fr
Facebook : Centre d’Art de Crest
Instagram : centredartcrest
- Openning times
Wednesday to Sunday : 2 pm – 6.30 pm
- Price
| Adult | € 5 |
|
Student, job seeker, disability card holder, large family card holder, tax credit beneficiary |
€ 3 |
| Family (2 adults with children) |
€ 8 |
| Under the age of 18 | Free entrance |
|
Groups of 10 people |
€ 3 per person |
- Acessibility and PRM
- View our establishment profile on the Acceslibre platform
- Getting here
– 1h15 from Lyon by car
– 35 minutes from High Speed Train (TGV) Railway station
– Crest Railway station (SNCF)
– Free parking for buses and cars, walking distance from the Art Center
Exhibition Catalogue
A catalog of the exhibition, published by the City of Crest and written by the curator, is available at the Crest Art Center and by mail (6 € postage).
For mailings and orders at the bookseller’s price, contact the city’s Culture and Animation team at the following address : culture@mairie-crest.fr or by phone at 04 75 76 61 38.
40 pages, 48 illustrations
ISBN 979-10-415-2100-5
Price : 15 €
Extend your visit
Galerie Duvert
Art Gallery and antiquity of XXe century
Place Medvode (Champ-de-Mars) – CREST
06 12 23 97 16
galerie.duvert@orange.fr
Galerie Espace Liberté
Promotion place of Contemporay and modern art and various form of artistic expression
5, rue des Alpes – CREST
09 52 37 99 86
www.galerieespaceliberte.fr
galerieespaceliberte@gmail.com
imprints-Galerie
Art gallery, Publishing house of print and artist book
14, rue Jean Rousset – CREST
06 41 22 02 11
www.imprints-galerie.com
imprints@orange.fr
Atelier Carcavel
Exhibition space and framing workshop
23 rue Archinard – CREST
04 75 25 21 89
Tourism office – Drôme Valley
Place de l’église – CREST
04 75 25 11 38
www.valleedeladrome-tourisme.com
Tower of Crest
Chemin du Donjon – CREST
04 75 25 32 53
www.tourdecrest.com
accueil@tourdecrest.fr
