Hôtel de ville de Roubaix

The Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Roubaix, France, stands as a testament to the city's rich industrial past and its vibrant cultural heritage. This magnificent town hall, located on the Grand-Place, opposite the Saint-Martin parish church, is a beacon of historic and architectural splendor that beckons visitors from all corners of the globe.

The History of Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix

The story of the Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix is one of evolution and grandeur. The current building is the fourth town hall in the history of Roubaix. The previous structure, designed by Achille-Joseph Dewarlez in 1845, was a modest edifice that served a rapidly growing town of 25,000 inhabitants. By the early 20th century, the population had swelled to 120,000, necessitating a new, grander town hall befitting a major industrial city.

The project for the new Hôtel de Ville was initially entrusted to the local architect Ernest Thibeau, who designed a comprehensive plan adopted in May 1903. Unfortunately, due to health issues, Thibeau could only complete the left wing, inaugurated in 1907 to accommodate the Chamber of Commerce. The baton was then passed to Victor Laloux, the celebrated architect behind the Gare d'Orsay in Paris. Laloux continued Thibeau's work, and the central pavilion's construction began the following year. The new Hôtel de Ville was officially inaugurated on April 30, 1911, coinciding with the Northern France International Exhibition, by the Minister of Commerce Alfred Massé and the Mayor of Roubaix, Eugène Motte.

During World War I, the Bavarian 165th Infantry Regiment occupied Roubaix, and the town hall served as the Kommandantur's headquarters. In 1998, the building was listed as a historical monument, and between 2011 and 2013, its façade and roof underwent extensive restoration to preserve its grandeur for future generations.

Architectural Marvel

The Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix is a monumental structure that epitomizes the city's status as the world capital of wool. The building comprises a vast central edifice flanked by two annexes: the left wing housing the Chamber of Commerce, and the right wing dedicated to municipal services. The entire complex spans over 6,000 square meters, with a façade stretching more than 100 meters long, adorned with friezes celebrating labor, commerce, and the textile industries.

The central pavilion's façade is particularly striking, featuring six sculpted scenes around the clock, each depicting different stages of textile production: cotton harvesting and wool shearing, washing, combing, carding, spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing. These sculptures, created by renowned artists such as André Laoust, Hippolyte Lefèbvre, Edgar Boutry, Alphonse-Amédée Cordonnier, and Léon Fagel, bring to life the city's industrial heritage.

At the heart of the central pavilion, two grand allegorical statues representing Abundance and Peace flank the Roubaix coat of arms. The coat of arms itself is a masterpiece, with elements symbolizing the city's textile industry: bobbins, a comb, a shuttle, and a ram's head. The surrounding volutes feature representations of Moderation and Vigilance, further emphasizing the building's symbolic richness.

The left pavilion, originally the Chamber of Commerce, boasts a fronton depicting Mercury, the god of commerce, flanked by figures representing industry and commerce. The right pavilion, housing municipal services, features a fronton with a seated old man beside a ram and a woman next to a jar, encircling a beehive. Above these sculptures, the Latin motto Pax Labor (Peace and Work) is inscribed, encapsulating the building's ethos.

Interior Grandeur

Stepping inside the Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix is like entering a palace. The main entrance leads to an honor hall, featuring a monumental double-helix staircase crowned by a domed skylight. The interior is replete with richly decorated rooms, many of which are listed as historical monuments.

On the ground floor, the Pierre de Roubaix room is adorned with a mural fresco on canvas by Jean-Joseph Weerts, depicting the proclamation of the Drapers' Charter in 1469 by Pierre de Roubaix, granting privileges to the city's drapers. This scene, though slightly anachronistic, captures a pivotal moment in Roubaix's history.

On the first floor, the honor salon, the wedding hall, the conference room, the council room, and the commission room are all exquisitely decorated. The wedding hall's ceiling, painted by François Schommer, celebrates civil marriage, adding to the room's grandeur and significance.

A Living Monument

The Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix is not just an architectural marvel but a living monument that continues to serve the city's administrative needs while preserving its rich heritage. Its grand halls and chambers frequently host cultural events, exhibitions, and civic ceremonies, making it a vibrant hub of community life.

As you explore the Hôtel de Ville de Roubaix, you will be captivated by its architectural splendor, historical significance, and the stories it holds within its walls. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a curious traveler, this magnificent town hall is a must-visit destination that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Roubaix.