The CIAP consists of a permanent exhibition presenting the architecture and heritage of the town in all its components in an entertaining way, and a space for temporary exhibitions. Three projections tell the story of the formation of the city site, its history from antiquity to 1950, and from 1950 to the present day, then the future.
Since 1986, the city of Besançon has been labelled "City of Art and History". Besançon is thus part of a network that currently includes 146 Cities and Towns of Art and History committed to promoting and animating their heritage and their architecture, thanks to a diversified programme of actions.
The creation of the CIAP is part of this approach.
The Town Hall, Place du Huit Septembre, has been identified as the location for this structure.