Construction of bell tower 1788 (≈ 1788)
Addition of the bell of the old echevinal house.
1930
Repurchase and transformation into a city hall
Repurchase and transformation into a city hall 1930 (≈ 1930)
Acquisition by the city, plans by Émile Benoît.
1931
Rehabilitation of the park
Rehabilitation of the park 1931 (≈ 1931)
Works entrusted to Georges Van Den Heede.
2009
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 2009 (≈ 2009)
Protection of facades and interior decorations.
2012
UNESCO classification
UNESCO classification 2012 (≈ 2012)
Integration of the mining basin into the world heritage.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs, the decoration of the hall of the ground floor and the cage of the staircase of honour with its stained glass and ramp, the large hall of the council with its decor and the painting of Massy on the first floor, the gate and the entrance gates, the park (cad. AC 402): inscription by decree of 9 October 2009
Key figures
Émile Benoît - Architect
Designed city hall plans in 1930.
Moïse Massy - Decorative painter
Realized glass windows and allegorical interior decorations.
Georges Van Den Heede - Landscape architect
Redeveloped the park in 1931.
Origin and history
The town hall of Carvin is an ancient castle, the Delehelle Castle, bought in 1930 by the municipality to become its administrative seat. This building, built of brick and stone on two levels, preserves historical elements such as a bell tower dating from 1788, from the former echevinal house. Its architecture combines local heritage and modernity of the 1930s, with a triangular pediment overlooking the central pavilion.
The architect Émile Benoît was responsible for designing the plans for the new city hall in 1930, as part of an extensive programme of public facilities for the reborn city after the destruction of the First World War. The project also included a stadium, clinic and other infrastructure. The renovation of the surrounding park was entrusted in 1931 to landscape architect Georges Van Den Heede, while decorator Moïse Massy realized the interior elements.
The interior decorations, signed Moïse Massy, include two glass windows illustrating mining and agricultural scenes, as well as allegories such as Freedom and Equality. A portrait of Jean Jaurès and the city's coat of arms also appear, reflecting Carvin's working-class and republican identity. These artistic elements highlight the link between the monument and the social history of the mining basin.
In 2009, the city hall was included in the inventory of historic monuments, and in 2012 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin. This recognition highlights its role in the region's industrial and urban history, as well as its architectural and symbolic value.
Today, the building remains a symbol of Carvin's reconstruction and resilience, while at the same time bearing witness to the legacy of local brewers and the municipal boom in the 20th century. Its park, facades and some interior decorations are protected, preserving an artistic, historical and social heritage.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review