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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Since 1994, the World Centre for Peace, Freedoms and Human Rights has been housed in the former Episcopal Palace of Verdun, an 18th-century building classified as a Historic Monument in 1920. This palace, built from 1725 on under the impulse of Bishop Charles-François d'Hallencourt and architects Robert de Cotte and his son, was to embody the prestige of the bishopric. It replaces an old 16th century palace, considered irreparable, and was partially completed by the successors of Hallencourt, including Aymar de Nicolai and Henri-Louis-René des Nos.

The French Revolution interrupted the work in 1789, and the building then experienced various uses: sub-prefecture, court, and then episcopal residence again from 1823. In 1906, with the law of separation of churches and the state, the palace became property of the city of Verdun. Damaged at the Battle of 1916, it was restored between 1926 and 1935 before welcoming the bishop again until 1993. That same year, it was transformed to house the World Peace Centre, inaugurated in 1994 after major rehabilitation work.

The Episcopal Palace, an architectural masterpiece of the 18th century, is distinguished by its horse-drawn iron court, its neo-classical chapel, and its 20th century underground. It also houses the Verdun Municipal Library, whose collections include an old fund from revolutionary confiscations and a section dedicated to World War I. The World Peace Centre organizes exhibitions, conferences and events focusing on human rights, Franco-German reconciliation and the memory of conflicts.

The building survived tumultuous times, including World War I, where it served as a temporary hospital under bombardment. Its classification in 1920 and subsequent restoration preserved its architectural heritage. Today, it symbolizes both Verdun's historical heritage and its commitment to peace, illustrated by distinctions such as the 2018 European Citizen's Prize.

The creation of the World Peace Centre in 1990 was the result of a joint initiative by the State, the Lorraine region (now the Great East), the Meuse department and the city of Verdun. Its installation in the episcopal palace, after the definitive departure of Bishop Marcel Herriot in 1993, marks an emblematic reconversion of the monument. The centre complements the memorial sites of the battlefield of Verdun by proposing a reflection on past conflicts and contemporary human rights issues.

Future

The centre hosts temporary exhibitions with varying durations, conferences, symposia and concerts. A wing of the Episcopal Palace also houses the municipal library.

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