Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lang Hotel, located at 4 Place André-Maginot in Nancy, was originally built in 1887 by architect Charles-Désiré Bourgon for the producer Raphaël Lang. This building, marked by influences from the École de Nancy, incorporates decorative elements typical of Art Nouveau, such as the ironworks of Frédéric Schertzer and the glass windows of Victor Höner. The building reflects Nancy's industrial and artistic development at the end of the 19th century, with architecture combining functionality and aesthetics.

In 1906, the mansion was transformed into a bank by architect Joseph Hornecker to host the Société nanceienne de crédit industrielle et de dépôts (SNCI). The works, completed in 1909, included the installation of chests and windows in the courtyard, as well as offices in a new building body. The contributions of renowned artisans, such as Edgar Brandt for ironworks and Jacques Gruber for glass windows, reinforce his Art Nouveau character. The SNCI later became the Varin-Bernier Society (SNVB), before joining the CIC group.

Art Nouveau-style vaults are classified as historical monuments by order of 4 May 1994, as part of the building. This ranking underscores the heritage importance of the site, a testament to the architectural and banking innovation of the early 20th century in Nancy. A third construction campaign, led by Joseph Hornecker between 1924 and 1925, completed the major alterations of the building, although the original hall was destroyed in the 1960s.

The Lang Hotel illustrates the transition between 19th-century bourgeois housing and the functional needs of a modern bank in the 20th century. Its history also reflects Nancy's economic evolution, marked by industrialization and the growing role of financial institutions. Today, the building remains a remarkable example of the adaptation of a private hotel to bank usage, while preserving its artistic heritage.

The protected elements include the large vault room, classified for its furniture and Art Nouveau decorations. The architects and artisans involved, such as Louis Majorelle for furniture or the France Lanord Bichaton company for reinforced concrete floors, helped to make this place a symbol of the heritage of the country. The precise location, in the heart of Nancy, makes it a major point of interest for lovers of architecture and industrial history.

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