Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building known as the Great Guard was built in 1717 on the Grand Place of Lille, two years after the death of Louis XIV, who had annexed the city in 1667. Originally, it served as a guard for the local garrison, replacing the New Butcheries on the site since 1550. The facade, typical of the French architecture of the time, has a sun carved in homage to the Sun King, as well as a Lille arms shield and a clock. This symbol recalls the integration of the city into the Kingdom of France.

Ranked a historic monument since June 27, 1925, the facade is represented in a painting by François Watteau (1750), preserved at the Hospice Countesse. The balcony on the first floor was the scene of significant events: proclamation of the Republic in 1870 by General Achille Testelin, announcement of the general mobilization in 1914 by General Lebas, and sporting celebrations such as the French victory at the 1998 World Cup.

Since 1989, the building has housed the Theatre du Nord, a National Dramatic Centre. The historic façade was preserved, while a modern 444-seat room (Roger-Salengro) was added to the back, replacing an old covered market of 1826. The theatre, directed by figures like Daniel Mesguich or Stuart Seide, is today a committed cultural place, also forming actors via the Northern School.

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