Nancy City Hall, the royal façade of Place Stanislas
Along the entire southern side of Place Stanislas stretches the long royal façade of Nancy's town hall, a masterpiece by Emmanuel Héré. Behind its carved coats of arms lies a sumptuous interior: a grand staircase graced with Jean Lamour's wrought-iron railing and lavish state salons. A jewel of the UNESCO-listed ensemble.
A façade to crown the square
Built in the mid-18th century to Emmanuel Héré's plans, the town hall majestically closes Place Stanislas to the south. Its façade — the most imposing on the square — stands out for its length, its classical ordering and its central pediment bearing the arms of Stanislas and of the City of Nancy. It faces the Arc Héré at the far end, in a perfectly mastered play of symmetry. Still the seat of the city council, the building combines an administrative function with the role of monumental scenery, at the heart of one of Europe's finest urban ensembles.
The grand staircase and Jean Lamour's railing
The highlight comes right at the entrance: past the vestibule, a monumental grand staircase unfolds, topped by a wrought-iron railing about twenty-five metres long, cast in a single piece. It is one of the absolute masterpieces of Jean Lamour, the very master ironsmith who created the square's gilded gates. Scrolls, foliage and curves unfurl with astonishing virtuosity. The stairwell walls are adorned with frescoes by the painter Girardet, extending the magnificence of the décor up to the salons on the upper floor.
The grand state salons
Upstairs, the staircase leads to the Salon Carré, known as the "Italian-style" room, which precedes the Grand Salon. These spaces occupy the site of Stanislas's former apartments, transformed over time into reception rooms. Gilding, chandeliers, wood panelling and parquet floors form a solemn setting, still used today for the City's official ceremonies, weddings and receptions. From the windows, the sweeping view over Place Stanislas and its fountains is simply unforgettable — one of the finest panoramas over the whole UNESCO ensemble.
How to visit it
The town hall remains first and foremost a working building: the grand staircase and vestibule can be seen during public opening hours, but the grand salons are not open for free visits. The Grand Nancy tourist office offers themed guided tours that give access to them, and the building opens more widely during the European Heritage Days in September. Check with the tourist office on Place Stanislas for current dates and arrangements before planning your visit.
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Infos pratiques
Adresse : Place Stanislas, 54000 Nancy
Questions fréquentes
Where is Nancy's town hall?
It occupies the entire southern side of Place Stanislas in Nancy (54000), facing the Arc Héré. It is the large pedimented building that closes the square.
Can you visit the interior?
The grand staircase and vestibule are accessible during opening hours. The grand salons are seen mainly on guided tours run by the tourist office or during Heritage Days.
Why is the staircase railing famous?
Made in a single piece by Jean Lamour, it is regarded as a pinnacle of 18th-century ironwork, by the same artist who created the gilded gates of Place Stanislas.
Is the visit free?
Access to the vestibule and staircase is free during opening hours. Guided tours of the grand salons usually charge a fee; prices and dates should be checked with the tourist office.
What is there to see around the town hall?
The whole of Place Stanislas, with its gilded gates and fountains, the Museum of Fine Arts on the same side, the Arc Héré opposite, then Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance a few steps away.
Wikimedia Commons — JC Allin · Wikimedia Commons — Krzysztof Golik
