Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The city hall of Albert came into being in the Middle Ages, when the city, then named Encre, obtained a communal charter in 1178. Under the Old Regime, a first municipal building was established on the present Place d'Armes, serving as both an administrative seat, a boys' school, a house for the vicar and a salt attic. In 1702, the city acquired a stone house for 5,000 pounds, thanks to an agreement with the Count of Toulouse, the local lord.

In the 19th century, a new town hall was rebuilt in 1835 on the same site, using stones from Mailly Castle. This building, like the whole city, was razed during World War I. The reconstruction began in 1928 on the new Place Émile Leturcq, according to plans of architects Alexandre Miniac and Benjamin Maneval. Inaugurated in 1932 by President Albert Lebrun, the building combines Art Deco style and Flemish influences, with a facade decorated with carved friezes evoking local life and the Great War.

The belfry, 64 meters high, dominates the city with a "Westminster" carillon and clock dials. Inside, a monumental staircase leads to rooms decorated with allegorical paintings and stained glass windows celebrating local industry, including aeronautics. Ranked a historic monument in 2023, the city hall embodies Albert's resilience: his facade was restored for the centenary of the Great War (2014-2015), and in 2018 he hosted a meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Theresa May.

In front of the building, two busts pay tribute to notable mayors: Albert Toulet (1833-1887), pioneer of local metallurgy, and Émile Leturcq (1870-1930), craftsman of post-war reconstruction. These elements highlight the central role of the monument in Albert's urban and memorial history.

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