Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The city casino in Aix-en-Provence was built between 1922 and 1923 as part of an ambitious project to revive local thermalism. This project included a spa establishment, a palace hotel, a park and the casino itself. Directed by the Parisian architect Roger Barreau for the Société Immobilière, the building was based on a reinforced concrete frame and was decorated with Art Deco-style staff decorations, complemented by trompe l'oeil pilasters imitating marble. In 1942, the architect Courrèges changed this decoration to a neo-provencal style, still visible until its demolition.

A bas-relief signed by sculptor Botinelly, representing a frieze of provencal dancers, decorated a casino fireplace. The building, owned by the commune, was abandoned in 1993, disused in 2002, then registered for historical monuments in 1995 before being demolished in 2003. Despite this temporary protection, it was demolished in April-May 2003 after obtaining a demolition permit in December 2002. The decorative elements were preserved and deposited before its destruction.

Located at 2 avenue Napoléon-Bonaparte, the casino illustrated the eclectic architecture of the inter-war period, combining technical modernity (armed concrete) and regional references. Its history reflects the urban and tourist issues of Aix-en-Provence in the 20th century, between valuing thermal heritage and architectural changes. Its disappearance marks the end of an era for the city, where thermalism and elegant leisure occupied a central place.

External links