Charleroi City Hall

Charleroi City Hall, known locally as Stadhuis en belfort van Charleroi, stands as a magnificent testament to the eclectic blend of Classicism and Art Deco that characterizes much of Belgium's architectural heritage. Inaugurated in 1936, this grand structure is not just a center of administrative and political activity but also a cherished symbol of the city's rich history and cultural significance.

The History of Charleroi City Hall

The site of the current Charleroi City Hall has a storied past that dates back to the 17th century. Initially, it was part of a cavalry district within a fortress constructed in 1667. After the fortress was dismantled in 1748 by Louis XV, the French King, the area began to serve various municipal functions. By the early 19th century, under French dominion, Charleroi had become a sub-prefecture and the seat of a first-instance court.

The administration moved to the lower part of the city, occupying the former Capuchin convent, which is now the Passage de la Bourse. The original town hall was transformed into a courthouse. In 1826, a new courthouse was built on the same site, designed by the architect Jean Kuypers. By 1880, a second courthouse was inaugurated, and the municipal council decided to return to the Ville-Haute building.

The Current Charleroi City Hall

The current Charleroi City Hall emerged from a design competition held in 1930. The winning project was by architect Jules Cézar, who collaborated with Joseph André to bring the vision to life. The construction was completed in 1934, and the building was officially inaugurated in 1936.

The building is constructed from blue and white stone, featuring a two-story design under slate roofs. The facades facing the Ville-Haute square are a harmonious blend of eclectic styles with an Art Deco influence. The high, rectangular windows, except those on the ground floor entrance wing, are framed with arches. The interior spaces, including the grand hall and the ceremonial staircase, are adorned with rich decorations in the same stylistic vein.

Beyond its administrative and political functions, Charleroi City Hall also boasts a grand hall that can accommodate over 1,000 people. Before the Exhibition Palace was built in the late 1950s, the ground floor on the Beffroi street side housed the fire department. Until 2007, the second floor was home to the Museum of Fine Arts, which was relocated to the Palace of Fine Arts due to water infiltration issues.

The Belfry

One of the most striking features of Charleroi City Hall is its belfry, located at the corner formed by Beffroi and Dauphin streets, facing the Place du Manège. This 70-meter-high tower is a quintessential example of Art Deco architecture. The base is constructed from blue stone, while the upper stories are made of white stone and brick. The tower is topped with a bronze spire.

The construction of the belfry presented significant challenges due to the weight of the structure (35,000 tonnes) and the unstable ground caused by mining activities. To ensure stability, the tower rests on a 400-square-meter reinforced concrete foundation. Additionally, hydraulic jacks were installed inside the four supporting pillars to adjust the building's alignment.

The belfry is equipped with a clock and a carillon of 47 bells, which chime a popular tune by 19th-century songwriter Jacques Bertrand, a native of Charleroi, every quarter hour.

Heritage Status

In 2001, Charleroi City Hall, including its original furnishings, was classified as a protected site by the Walloon Region. The entire complex is recognized as part of Wallonia's exceptional heritage. The belfry, in particular, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 1, 1999, as part of the Belfries of Belgium and France.

Artistic Contributions

Numerous artists contributed to the decoration of Charleroi City Hall, adding to its cultural and aesthetic value. Some of the notable artists include Hector Brognon, Alphonse Darville, Oscar De Clerck, Robert Delnest, Jos Desmedt, Raoul Godefroid, Marcel Rau, and Georges Wasterlain.

Visiting Charleroi City Hall offers a unique opportunity to explore a building that is not only an administrative hub but also a masterpiece of architectural and artistic expression. Its rich history, stunning design, and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Charleroi.