The symbolic dimension of the International city of tapestry and woven art matches its ambition: going beyond conservation and exhibitions, preserving a living savoir-faire that is recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, and reestablishing Aubusson's place in the contemporary creative landscape.
The City’s contemporary role is part of the radical transformation of the former National School of Applied Arts, taking advantage of its most important assets: its monumental aspect, the rhythm of its façades, and the quality and luminosity of its interior spaces. It has a new outer shell made of a combination of wooden strips (Douglas-fir from Limousine forests) and printed textile coverings evoking the raw materials of wood in the woodworker's art and color in tapestry.
With its international influence, the City’s calling is to become one of the main symbols of Aubusson. Its visibility in the city, and the concepts used in its entryway take into consideration the different types of people that interact with the structure.