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| Salle des Fêtes |
The Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) commands respect as it stands tall in the
center of Paris, overlooking the Ile de la Cité and the Seine. Imposing on the
outside and lavishly decorated on the inside, the building has a
dramatic history as well as an important role in contemporary city life.
WICE members were treated to a private tour last week, with
a focus on the beautiful reception rooms that are used to welcome foreign heads
of state to Paris, and to host other official city events.
The building and its salons are relatively new, even though
activities at the Place de Grève (now renamed Place de l’Hôtel de Ville) began
in 1357 (a square that has served as everything from a port for unloading wheat
and wood, a venue for celebrations, a meeting point for day laborers to find
work, a setting for public executions, and a magnet for manifestations.)
The first city hall was completed in 1628, but was burned
(along with all of the city’s archives) in 1871 during the Commune revolution.
The new building, completed in 1882, was created to be almost identical to the
original Renaissance design.
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| Liberté |
A highlight of the building is the Salle des Fêtes, the
largest reception room, designed with the Versailles Hall of Mirrors in mind.
The paintings represent the history of dance and music, and the French creed of
liberté, egalité, fraternité is proudly emblazoned on the ceiling. The walls
are gilded with gold leaf, the chandeliers are Baccarat, and the silk curtains
are woven in Lyons (identical to the original 17th century curtains).
Amidst all the rich décor of this building, the business of
the city is carried out. The “City Council” meets with its 163 councillors
representing the 20 arrondissements, and Mayor Delanoë conducts business in
an office that is refreshingly minimalist and a tribute to contemporary art.
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| A Room with a View |
Since the mayor was busy in his office, we didn’t get to
stop by, but all the Hôtel de Ville rooms are open during the September journée
du patrimoine.
We did find out that anyone can rent the reception rooms for
special events. The Salle des Fêtes can be yours for 6,000 euros per hour.
Pourquoi pas?
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| WICE Hôtel de Ville Enthusiasts |