La Science at the Hotel De Ville, Paris

In the 4^th arrondissement in Paris is situated the iconic Hotel De Ville. Built in 1533 and completed in 1628 as the Town Hall, the Italian architect Boccador, had grand plans for the “House on the Pillars.” Over time, the hotel has undergone several renovations. Fire in May 1871 completely destroyed the magnificent building.

It was rebuilt between 1874 and 1882, designed by architects Theodore Ballu and Edouard Deperthes to include a neo-renaissance façade. The City Hall has large alcoves with 230 statues of artists, scientists, politicians, and renowned residents of Paris, in perhaps the greatest collection in one location. These include Moliere, Voltaire, Boccador, and Rousseau. Another 108 citizens are represented on medallions and other architectural features on the building.

The central doors under the clock are flanded by allegorical figures of “Art” by Laurent Marqueste, and “Science” by Jules Blanchard. The photograph in this blog is the bronze “La Science” by the French sculptor Blanchard (1832-1916), completed in 1882.

The building became the Hotel De Ville in March 1803.

The hotel holds many exhibitions, the most recent was the Nelson Mandela exhibition in August 2013.

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