Street art has found a new canvas in Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France, transforming a functional electrical facility into a vibrant work of public art. Enedis, the local electricity distributor, partnered with the city to convert a distribution substation into a heritage-inspired mural, blending local history with sustainable landscape integration.
On March 17, 2026, Enedis and Bagnères-de-Bigorre officials unveiled the completed project, a testament to their ongoing collaboration to beautify public spaces and seamlessly integrate technical infrastructure into the surrounding environment. The initiative was jointly funded by Enedis and the city.
The substation, previously marred by graffiti and deterioration, underwent a complete rehabilitation thanks to a local street artist specializing in mural work. The artist spent nearly a week transforming the equipment, from initial preparation work necessitated by its condition to the final touches on the artwork.
Inspired by the Alix Collection
The mural’s design, proposed by Claude Cazabat during a municipal meeting, is based on photographs from the Alix collection. This choice directly connects the artwork to the city’s history and identity, forming the foundation of the artistic project. Once the direction was set, the design was submitted to the Architect of Buildings of France, with particular attention paid to color selection, to ensure harmonious integration into the landscape.
Both Enedis and the City of Bagnères-de-Bigorre view this project as part of a broader effort to enhance and harmoniously integrate equipment within the community. Enedis regularly undertakes similar initiatives with local governments to ensure its essential electrical facilities blend into the environment and meet local expectations. The city, in turn, seized the opportunity during ongoing public works to improve the quality of public spaces and create visual continuity between new roadways and the urban environment.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by Mayor Claude Cazabat, artist Enzo Yurrebaso, and Enedis Territorial Liaison Xavier Laporte, underscored this collaborative spirit. The finished mural transforms a simple electrical substation into an aesthetic and historical landmark, symbolizing an active partnership dedicated to serving the community.
