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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Town Hall of Rethel, located in the Ardennes department in the Grand East region, is a municipal building marked by the conflicts of the 20th century. Initially of ancient creation, he suffered major destruction during the two World Wars, especially during the First War, which required complete reconstruction. This project was carried out between 1925 and 1931 under the direction of architect Boulanger, in an architectural style combining neo-Renaissance and neo-Louis XIII influences. The monumentality of the building then reflects the affirmation of republican values and national identity after 1918.

The honorary salon of the Town Hall is decorated with fifteen marouflaged canvases made by the painter Eugene Thiéry between 1934 and 1935, using the technique of wax painting. These works, inspired by postcards from before 1914, depict scenes of local life and characters like President Lebrun. Damaged during World War II, they were restored by Thiéry himself between 1950 and 1953. The building, labeled "Twentieth Century Heritage", has been listed as historical monuments since September 25, 2015 for its decoration and architecture.

Today, City Hall is home to part of Rethel's municipal services and remains a symbol of local resilience to conflict. Its official address, 1 Place du Général de Lattre de Tassigny, and its inscription in the Mérimée inventory underline its heritage importance in the urban landscape of the Ardennes. The protected elements specifically include the decoration of the honorary salon, testifying to the art and local history of the early twentieth century.

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