The interior of the belfry of Calais Town Hall, offering a unique view of the back of the clock face, illuminated by the exterior light.

8th edition of the Spring of Art Deco in Calais

Press release — From April 4 to June 1, 2025, Calais is participating in the 8th edition of the Printemps de l'Art Déco, a regional event celebrating 100 years of this iconic artistic movement. Guided tours, exhibitions, conferences and video mapping will highlight Calais' heritage, with a highlight: the centenary of Calais Town Hall.

A unifying regional event around the elegance of the Roaring Twenties

Supported by 23 territories in Hauts-de-France, the 8th edition of the Printemps de l'Art Déco is part of an ambitious regional dynamic. On the occasion of the centenary of the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925, the partners celebrate the golden age of a unique style, both artistic and social. Mastery of materials, decorative innovation, wrought iron, stained glass, geometric lines: Art Deco can be found in cities, public buildings, places of worship... In Calais, this movement finds a singular expression in the urban planning of the reconstruction and in the sometimes unsuspected treasures of its architecture.

Zoom in on the decorations that adorn the windows of the Paul sisters' house

Detail of the ironwork of the Calais Town Hall, made by Adalbert Szabo. A goldsmith's work mixing arabesques and floral motifs, capturing the elegance of the neo-Flemish architecture of this emblematic monument listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Calais, a rich program between heritage gems and unusual discoveries

Guided walking and cycling tours, self-guided tours, exhibitions, conferences, workshops for children: Calais offers a rich program throughout its territory.

Visitors can explore the Saint-Pierre district, Place Crèvecœur, or admire the artistic ironwork of the Town Hall, created by Adalbert SzaboThe churches of Saint-Joseph, Sainte-Germaine and Notre-Dame des Armées will also unveil their stained-glass windows and Art Deco ornaments.

Highlights are planned throughout the spring, including two photographic exhibitions (“ Stained glass windows and Art Deco elements " and " Doors that speak to us »), a conference on ironwork, a new documentary on Jean Muse, and activities specially designed for young audiences, such as the Art Deco sensory walk.

View the program in Calais

Wide shot of the facade of the Renardier building, in Art Deco style, taken from the gardens of the town hall.

Interior view of Calais Town Hall and its ornamental stained glass windows.

New: online ticketing

This is a novelty 2025 : all guided tours and activities organized by the Calais XXL Tourist Office are now accessible via a online ticketingThis new tool allows visitors to book easily their slots so as not to miss anything on the program, while discovering the major cultural events in the region at a glance.

Intuitive and practical, the platform is part of the desire to make culture more accessible, while promoting the richness of the local heritage. It also allows you to check availability in real time and prepare your visit with peace of mind.

Access to the ticket office

City Hall Centenary: A Monumental Anniversary

Symbol of the Art Deco style and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Calais Town Hall celebrates its 2025 centenaryOn April 12 and 13, visitors will be invited to (re)discover this emblematic monument through unique tours, activities and exhibitions.

Highlight of the show: a monumental video mapping will illuminate the facade 19 and 20 April, projecting a visual and sound work celebrating the architecture, interior design, and history of the building. A vibrant tribute to a building that embodies the elegance of the Art Deco era and the ambition of a city looking to the future.

Detailed Centenary Program

The sculpted coat of arms of the city of Calais adorning the facade of the Town Hall, a historical symbol marked by the fleur-de-lys and the royal crown.

Contact

Elise Bué

Communications Officer — Calais XXL

+33 (0)6 42 92 50 71 — ebue@calaisxxl.com