The Poirel complex, concert hall and art gallery
A stone's throw from Place Stanislas, the Ensemble Poirel has combined a performance hall and a vast art gallery since 1889. Born of a bequest by passionate patrons, this venue saw the birth of the Nancy School and now pulses with concerts and exhibitions.
The bequest of two patrons
The ensemble owes its existence to Victor and Lisinka Poirel, a cultured art-loving couple. On their death, they left the city of Nancy the funds needed to build a versatile cultural venue, right in the heart of a fast-growing district near the station. Municipal architect Albert Jasson designed an ambitious building, combining a concert hall and exhibition galleries. Opened in 1889, the Ensemble Poirel fulfilled its founders' dream: to give the people of Nancy a lively place devoted to music and the fine arts, open to every discipline.
1894, the cradle of the Nancy School
In 1894 the galleries of the Ensemble Poirel hosted the Exhibition of Lorraine Decorative Art, an event that remains famous. For the first time it brought together the creations of Lorraine glassmakers, cabinetmakers and ceramists. This show is regarded as the founding moment of the Nancy School, the Art Nouveau movement that, around Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle and the Daum brothers, would give the city its artistic renown. The venue thus holds a special place in the history of the decorative arts: it was here that a generation of Lorraine artists crystallised its ambition.
The Salle Poirel, a setting for concerts
The Italian-style performance hall offers around 800 seats between the stalls and the balcony. Its ceiling is graced by a stained-glass work by Charles Champigneulle, a precious touch above the audience. Renovated in 1999 by architect Vincent Brossy, it kept its character while gaining comfort. Here you can hear the Nancy Symphonic and Lyric Orchestra, as well as chamber music, theatre, contemporary music and shows for young audiences. Each season more than a hundred performances of eclectic styles follow one another, making the Salle Poirel a pillar of Nancy's musical life.
The Galerie Poirel, focused on design
Independent from the hall, the gallery unfolds nearly 1,000 m² of exhibition space across three wings surrounding the building. Since 2012 it has been devoted to contemporary art with a strong design focus, extending the site's historic vocation towards the applied arts. Here you can discover ambitious temporary exhibitions blending visual creation, objects and reflection on today's forms. Free and central, it is a fine stop for anyone staying in Nancy who wishes to complement the museums with a look at contemporary creation.
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Infos pratiques
Adresse : 3 Rue Victor Poirel, 54000 Nancy
Questions fréquentes
What is at the Ensemble Poirel?
Two distinct, complementary spaces: the Salle Poirel, devoted to concerts and shows, and the Galerie Poirel, dedicated to contemporary art and design.
Why is the Ensemble Poirel important for Art Nouveau?
It was here, in 1894, that the Exhibition of Lorraine Decorative Art took place, regarded as the founding act of the Nancy School.
Where is the Ensemble Poirel located?
At 3 rue Victor-Poirel, between Place Stanislas and the station district, in the very centre of Nancy.
Is the Galerie Poirel free?
Access to the gallery's exhibitions is generally free. For the performance hall, prices depend on the programme; check the official website.
What kind of shows are held at the Salle Poirel?
Symphonic and lyric music, chamber music, contemporary music, theatre and shows for young audiences: more than a hundred eclectic performances each season.
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