Opening of the monument 1882 (≈ 1882)
Four years after Becquerel died.
4e quart XIXe siècle
Construction period
Construction period 4e quart XIXe siècle (≈ 1987)
Stylish statue on base.
17 avril 2025
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 17 avril 2025 (≈ 2025)
Total protection of the monument and base.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The monument to the physicist Antoine Becquerel with its base and its quadrangular slab of base, located Place Becquerel, in full, within the limits indicated in red on the plan annexed to the decree. It is located in the public domain of the commune: registration by decree of 17 April 2025
Key figures
Antoine Becquerel - Physician and Academician
Posthumous tribute for his scientific work.
Edmond Becquerel - Son of Antoine Becquerel
Sponsor of the memorial project.
Guillaume Eugène - Architect
Master of the monument.
Origin and history
The monument to physicist Antoine Becquerel, located at Becquerel Square in Châtillon-Coligny, is a statue on foot depicting the scholar dressed in his academician costume. Inaugurated on January 18, 1882, four years after his death, this work of the fourth quarter of the 19th century was financed by public subscription. She celebrates both a child of the country – born and buried in the commune – and her major contributions to mineralogy, electricity and magnetism. The project was carried out jointly by his son Edmond, the city council and his scientific peers.
This monument illustrates a rare regional tribute to a contemporary scientist, in a context where the statues on the base embodied the worship of great men, both local and national. Its artistic style and commemorative dimension reflect the values of the era, combining local pride and recognition of scientific advances. The statue, fully protected (including its base and quadrangular slab), is now owned by the commune and classified as a historical monument.
The architect Guillaume Eugene was the architect. Although the precise location is considered mediocre (note 5/10), the monument remains a strong symbol of the scientific and cultural heritage of Châtillon-Coligny. Its official inscription by decree of 17 April 2025 enshrines its heritage value, while stressing its anchoring in the communal public space, not cadastred.
