Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Havre Town Hall, built between 1952 and 1958, replaces the 19th-century building destroyed during the 1944 bombings. Auguste Perret drew the central body from 1952, marked by an imposing colonnade and an 18-storey tower (72 m) evoking a modern belfry. After his death, Jacques Tournant completed the tower in 1958, while the adjoining theatre, integrated with the east wing, was inaugurated only in 1967. Together, symbolizing Reconstruction, combines administrative functions (tour) and reception spaces (large lounges, hall with monumental staircase).

The architectural composition is based on a dialectic between verticality (tour-offices) and horizontality (low to colonnade building), all dominated by a roof-terrace supported by the columns. A garden to the south, designed by Perret, is a largely renovated square in 1990 (underground parking, fountains, tramway since 2012). The building, classified as Historical Monument in 2016-17, also benefits from the 20th century Heritage label for its role in the urban history and work of Perret.

A controversial extension, carried out by architect Colboc between 1984 and 1987 on the northern facade, met functional needs but broke with the initial aesthetics. Protected elements include facades, roofs, tower, lobby, stairs, first floor lounges and theatre. The site remains a major testimony of modern French architecture, linked to the renaissance of Havre after World War II.

External links