Nancy City Hall

In the breathtaking surroundings of Place Stanislas, it’s impossible to miss the grand building that occupies a vast portion of the square: the Nancy City Hall. From its stunning decoration to its prime location, not to mention its sheer size, everything about it screams that this is one of the most beautiful palaces ever built for the magistrates of the Republic. The mastermind behind this architectural marvel is Emmanuel Héré, the chief architect of Duke Stanislas. As usual, the Lorraine artist doesn’t disappoint. He envisioned and designed a building that would close off the southern side of the square in the most impressive way possible. Stretching 98 meters in length, the structure isn’t just grand—it’s monumental! So, how did he manage to clear such a vast space for its construction? The answer lies in purchasing and either demolishing or hiding the private mansions that once stood on the land. In total, three of these mansions were completely razed. Inaugurated in 1755, but modified several times over the years, the Nancy City Hall presents a bright, balanced main façade. Three projecting sections break up what could have been a monotonous design. On the pediment, you’ll find the city’s coat of arms alongside those of Stanislas Leszczynski. Flanking the central clock are two allegorical statues representing Justice and Prudence. The interior of the building is open to the public only during the European Heritage Days or through guided tours provided by the Tourist Office, but it’s certainly worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find a superb wrought iron staircase created by Jean Lamour, which leads to exceptional rooms such as the Square Salon, the Grand Salon, and the Empress’s Salon. The building’s interior is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, featuring trompe-l’œil architecture, gilded moldings, wall frescoes, and more. With the City Hall, Nancy reveals yet another true gem!