The central kpc of disc galaxies is a busy place, where many structures overlap and evolve at a
relatively fast pace. These central structures, such as bulges and bars, hold, however, key
information on the formation and evolution of their host galaxies. And as most galaxies show non-
axisymmetric structures such as bars, understanding their formation and impact on galaxy evolution
is crucial. Fortunately, recently developed observational facilities have helped enormously in
clarifying the sometimes confusing picture of the central kpc. In this talk, I will first review how
this picture has evolved to include nuclear discs and box/peanuts alongside classical bulges as the
main central components in disc galaxies. Next, I will discuss recent results from the TIMER team
with MUSE, including unprecedented estimates of bar ages and how they compare with a complementary
approach using JWST. The corresponding implications on our understanding of galaxy formation and
evolution, including bar-driven processes and the hierarchical growth of galaxies, will be
summarised.
Alessandro Pizzetta