If you've never been inside theHôtel de Ville de Paris, then take advantage of the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 to do so. Although the building only dates back to 1882, it's a jewel of Parisian heritage, classified as a historic monument and located right in the heart of the capital.
TheHôtel de Ville de Paris had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1871. Architects Théodore Ballu and Deperthes achieved the feat of reproducing the old Hôtel de Ville in less than ten years, with major improvements. TheHôtel de Ville de Paris became the most modern public building of its time. It was connected to electricity and the telephone, and equipped with central heating and elevators.
Every year in September, theHôtel de Ville de Paris takes part in the European Heritage Days. On September 21 and 22, 2024, you'll have the opportunity to enter this key Parisian landmark and learn more about the building.
Take a stroll through the richly decorated reception rooms of the Hôtel de Ville, as well as the famous Paris Council chamber and the office of the Mayor of Paris. Admire the architecture, furniture and works of art, such as the model of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle! And don't miss the heritage library, the salons d'apparat, not forgetting the Paris Rendez-Vous boutique.
Every year, the Hôtel de Ville de Paris opens its doors for the European Heritage Days.
For the 41st edition, visitors will be able to discover the office of the Mayor of Paris, the Hôtel de Ville library, the Council Chamber and the salons d'apparat.
Parisian heritage will be at the heart of this visit. An exhibition and videos will present the major restoration projects carried out by the City of Paris on its heritage buildings, and the public will be able to meet the City's curators, restorers, historians and archaeologists to discuss their remarkable professions and missions.
Water heritage will also be in the spotlight, with an exhibition of restored Parisian fountains.
Stonemasons, ornamental sculptors, cabinetmakers, carpenters and restorers will be offering demonstrations of their skills, which have been handed down from generation to generation. A veritable heritage village will be set up in the Cour de la Maire de Paris.
The Conseil d'architecture, d'urbanisme et de l'environnement de Paris (CAUE) will once again be on hand to introduce you to a new way of exploring the city's heritage, thanks to the "Détour" urban walking app.
An exhibition entitled "Histoire de l'Hôtel de Ville, des origines à la reconstruction" ("History of the Hôtel de Ville, from its origins to reconstruction") traces the history of this exceptional building, marvelously maintained on a daily basis by the Hôtel de Ville's craftsmen, who will be on hand to present their trades: florists, locksmiths, upholsterers, watchmakers, parquet makers, chandlers...
For the third year running, the City of Paris is offering an "hors les murs" ("outside the walls") event at its 10 heritage and specialist libraries, which are still too little known to the general public. These libraries will plunge you into the heart of the 1920s, with a focus on Arts déco.
A number of new features will also be added to the tour itinerary this year, offering visitors to the Hôtel de Ville unique and unprecedented experiences.
Matrimoine will be given pride of place, with a dedicated exhibition since last year, which this year will host an exhibition proposed by the Conservation des œuvres d'Art religieuses et civiles (COARC) on women artists, sculptors and painters, in Parisian churches, not forgetting the presence, as every year, of the association HF Ile de France, which is shedding light on the work of women who have been invisible in the art world for too long.
Paris being the sponsor city, the model of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will be on display as every year.
Last but not least, an exhibition by Yann Arthus-Bertrand will highlight the social and environmental innovations deployed during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the teams behind them. Indeed, for the first time in 2024, thanks to the support of the Les Canaux association and the City of Paris, 500 local companies from the solidarity and circular economy have taken part in this fantastic project.
Mediators from the École du Louvre will be on hand in the salons to comment on the decor and paintings.
Visitors with disabilities will be welcomed with personalized assistance and/or the loan of a wheelchair, in collaboration with trained volunteers from the Action Passeraile association.
Entry by registration only - Registration opens on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Reveal your potential thanks to REMPART volunteer workcamps!
Whatever your age or skills, you can take concrete action to preserve our heritage, traditional skills, the environment and social ties!
Before setting off on a workcamp, children, teenagers, adults or families can come and learn a traditional technique. You can also try your hand at building a model of a vault, and discover which heritage profession is right for you.
You can talk to members of the REMPART network to discover the sites of our local associations (castles, boats, churches, Vauban forts, villages, ....) and choose your next useful vacation!
More information on the REMPART Union and its 200 associations at: www.rempart.com.
So, are you ready to push open the doors ofParis City Hall?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
City Hall of the 4ᵉ arrondissement of Paris
2 Place Baudoyer
75004 Paris 4
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
More information
Free with online registration (opening early September)