Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The town hall of Beauvais had its origins in the Middle Ages, when the city obtained a communal charter in 1099, confirmed by Louis VI in 1122. A first townhouse was built near the Grand Place, built several times before being replaced in 1753 by a new town hall of classical style, designed by the king's architect, Bayeux, during the reign of Louis XV. Its façade, classified as a historic monument in 1912, still dominates Place Jeanne-Hachette.

In March 1918, during World War I, General Ferdinand Foch installed his headquarters there as commander of the Allied armies. Destroyed in June 1940 by German bombing, only the front wall was spared. The reconstruction, led by Beauvaisian architect Georges Noël, was completed in 1957. The current building retains its original façade, adorned with a clock, the town coat of arms and a triangular pediment, while two modern wings, decorated with bas-reliefs commemorating the destructions of 1940 and the renaissance of Beauvais, were added.

Inside, the monumental staircase leads to the wedding hall, furnished by cabinetmaker Jules Leleu in a style characteristic of the 20th century (classified historical monument). The site also houses works of art, including paintings such as Jeanne Hachette at the siege of Beauvais (Jean-Jacques Le Barbier) and a 16th century tapestry, as well as a historic flag linked to the Battle of Saint Quentin (1557).

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