L’hôtel de Ville et le Beffroi de Calais
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L’hôtel de Ville et le Beffroi de Calais
Place du Soldat Inconnu - 62100 CALAIS
Openings
| Tuesday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Friday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM - 00PM | 14 AM - 00PM |
The monumental entrance to Calais Town Hall
Walking through Calais Town Hall is a journey through time and art, where the city's great history blends with the people and symbols that shaped this iconic Calais landmark. Designed to commemorate the merger of the towns of Calais and Saint-Pierre-le-Calais, the building is a masterpiece in many ways!
Upon entering Calais Town Hall, visitors discover much more than just access: a true work of art. The monumental door, Art Deco style, embodies the elegance and know-how of the master ironworker Adalbert Szabo. Combining rich ornamentation with historical symbols, this prestigious entrance tells the city's story in its own way. It is distinguished by its two symmetrical doors adorned with floral motifs inspired by the Hungarian countryside. Flowers, beech leaves, clovers, acorns, and ears of wheat create a refined decor, enhanced by a wrought iron bowl above the door. Two matching candelabras complete this harmonious and majestic work.
A 1920s-style entrance
Behind this majestic door opens a large reception hall, revealing the Calais coat of arms and its honorary medals. The solemn atmosphere is enhanced by a Second Empire-style wooden turnstile, a relic of a bygone era. Looking up, visitors discover a sumptuous Art Deco glass roof created in the 1920s by Bordeaux master glassmaker Dagrant. This skylight elegantly illuminates the space, illustrating the modernity and splendor of the public buildings of the time.
Art Deco in Calais
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©Nohcab The Grand Staircase: art and light
Architectural jewel of the Calais town hall, The Grand Staircase impresses with its decorative richness. Made in white stone from the Marquise quarries, 20 km from Calais, and decorated with Carrara marble, this monumental staircase is a must-see when visiting Calais town hall.
©Nohcab A historic stained glass window in three scenes
The staircase's finely crafted wrought iron balustrade guides visitors to a masterpiece of glass art, bathed in natural light: a majestic stained-glass window depicting a key episode in local history: the Liberation of Calais in 1558, after 211 years of English occupation.
The stained-glass window consists of three distinct bays. The first depicts the departure of the English troops. The central bay honors the Duke of Guise, liberator of the city. The third bay illustrates the gratitude of the inhabitants of Calais.
A unique chandelier by Adalbert Szabo
At the top of the staircase, the gaze rises to a monumental chandelier crafted by Hungarian master ironworker Adalbert Szabo. Adorned with plant motifs inspired by Hungarian nature, this chandelier demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship. It hangs from a beehive-shaped ceiling with a honeycomb structure, which adds a touch of originality and elegance to the ensemble.
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©Fred Collier On the 1st floor: a showcase of art and local history
The Gallery of Honor: a majestic corridor
From the majestic Gallery of Honor to historic rooms like the Wedding Hall, witness to a famous union, this venue embodies elegance and prestige. This remarkable gallery connects the most beautiful rooms of Calais Town Hall: the Grand Salon, the Wedding Room, the Municipal Council Room and the State Room. Admire the wrought iron doors by Adalbert Szabo, a white stone base by Marquise and a ceiling decorated with stucco faux-bois, in a harmony of refined styles.
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©Nohcab The Municipal Council Chamber: between Flemish and neo-Gothic
Evoking both the old Flemish courts and the neo-Gothic style of the 1347th century, this solemn hall impresses with its rich decor: oak paneling, ironwork by Szabo, and stained-glass windows depicting the coats of arms of local notables. A monumental fresco by the painter Jeanne Thil, originally from Calais, illustrates the historical scene of the Burghers of Calais handing over the keys of the city to King Edward III in XNUMX.
The Wedding Hall: witness to a historic union
Place of celebration of the civil marriage of Charles de Gaulle and Yvonne Vendroux On April 6, 1921, this room is imbued with emotion and elegance. Red velvet armchairs, oak panels, parquet flooring inspired by that of the Palace of Versailles, and stained glass windows decorated with the coats of arms of Calais notables make it an exceptional place. A fresco by Adrienne Ball-Demont, “Spring youth of the year, youth spring of life”, adorns the main wall.
Charles de Gaulle and Calais
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©Nohcab The State Room: the reception room of the mayors of Calais
Formerly reserved for mayoral receptions, this renovated octagonal room retains its role as a ceremonial venue. Today, it hosts ceremonies and official meetings. A gallery of portraits of Calais mayors since the Third Republic is on display.
The Grand Salon: pomp and heraldic symbols
The largest room in the Town Hall, the Grand Salon pays homage to the feudal era with 72 coats of arms spread across the stained-glass windows and walls. Two monumental Renaissance-style fireplaces face each other. One bears the coat of arms of the former Calais, the other that of the former Saint-Pierre, testifying to the history of the merged communes.
Discover the history of Calais
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