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Key figures

Origin and history

The hotel Libéral Bruant is a mansion of classical architecture, built in 1685 by the architect Libéral Bruant in the Marais district, at 1 rue de la Perle (3rd arrondissement of Paris). Bruant, associated with his brother Louis Bruant des Carrières and notary Pierre Savalette, acquired the land in 1683 after an auction. He built several hotels for rent or sale, reserving for himself the eastern plot where he built his home. The courtyard façade, typical of the second half of the reign of Louis XIV, mixes curved bays, rectangular windows and blind oculi designed to accommodate busts of Roman emperors. A pediment decorated with angelots and horns of abundance crowns together.

After the death of Bruant in 1697, his widow rented the hotel to the mathematician Guillaume François Antoine of the Hospital, member of the Academy of Sciences. The building changed hands several times: in 1771 François-Ignace de Fontenu rented it to engineer Jean-Rodolphe Perronet, who installed the first National School of Bridges and Roads until 1778. In the 19th century, the hotel, transformed into workshops and offices, suffered significant damage. Purchased by the city of Paris, it was sold in 1968 to Bricard under condition of restoration and creation of a museum of the Lock, opened from 1976 to 2003.

Ranked a historic monument in 1964 for its facades, portal and courtyard floor, the hotel now houses a contemporary art centre. Its history reflects the urban and cultural changes of Paris, from the Grand Century to the modern era. Saint Paul Metro Station serves this emblematic site of Parisian heritage.

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