The Arsenal

You’re in front of the old arsenal of Metz, built on the orders of Napoleon III in the 1860s, in response to the growing power of Prussia. This military building, where weapons and ammunition were manufactured and stored, is now a magnificent concert hall. You should know that from the 16th century, Metz lost its status as a free and independent city of the Holy Roman Empire. Once a prominent place in the kingdom of the Merovingians, and even nearly chosen by Charlemagne under the Carolingians to be the capital, it became a border city. A strategic location, often occupied, leaving the city with many military buildings. The arsenal remained active during the first German annexation after the siege of Metz in 1870, as well as when it was taken back by the French in 1919, and again reclaimed by the Germans in 1940. After the Battle of Metz, and the German defeat in ’44, the arsenal was finally decommissioned before being handed over to the city in the 1960s. The city then launched a major transformation plan turning the site into an artistic complex. The ambitious project of the Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill was chosen, and the new concert hall, with perfect acoustics, was inaugurated in 1989 with a concert bringing together all the cellists of the Metz conservatory. The space also features a 500 m² exhibition gallery, as well as a museum shop and two beautiful reception halls. Today, it’s a must-visit venue in the world of entertainment. The Arsenal is considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe.