Charleroi City Hall

Charleroi City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Charleroi) stands on Place Charles II and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in this Belgian city. Completed in the 1930s, the building quickly became a symbol of the ambitions of a city that was booming at the time thanks to its coal and steel industries.

Where did the idea for a new city hall come from?

The site now occupied by the city hall has a much longer history than the current building itself. As early as the 17th century, following the construction of a fortress in 1667, the area was linked to a cavalry district. Over time, the municipal administration moved to the lower part of the city, occupying a former Capuchin convent that today houses the Passage de la Bourse, while the original town hall was converted into a courthouse. A new courthouse was built on the same site in 1826 to a design by architect Jean Kuypers, and by 1880 a second courthouse building had been inaugurated after the municipal council decided to move the seat of power back up to the Ville-Haute district.

How was the current building built?

The decisive moment came in 1930, when a design competition was launched for a new city hall. Out of sixty-nine submitted projects, the winning entry came from architect Jules Cézar, who then joined forces with architect Joseph André, who took charge of much of the actual construction. Building work was finished in 1934, and the city hall was officially inaugurated in 1936.

What makes the building's architecture distinctive?

Charleroi's city hall is an outstanding example of Art Deco design, built using the finest materials available at the time. Its rooms and corridors are decorated with the meticulous craftsmanship typical of the era. The Council Chamber is particularly striking, featuring enormous Val-Saint-Lambert crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and seven painted panels created by artist Jos de Smedt.

What is the belfry, and why does it matter?

An integral part of the complex is its 70-metre belfry, positioned at the corner formed by Rue du Beffroi and Rue du Dauphin, overlooking Place du Manège. Rendered in the Art Deco style, the tower has a square floor plan and a varied material palette: blue stone at ground level, white stone through the upper floors, brick around the chamber that houses the carillon, and white stone again at the very top. The tower holds a clock and a forty-seven-bell carillon that plays a popular tune every quarter hour, composed by Jacques Bertrand, a 19th-century songwriter born in Charleroi. The belfry is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of a serial listing covering belfries in Belgium and France.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Charleroi City Hall? The building was designed by architect Jules Cézar, winner of the 1930 competition, working alongside architect Joseph André, who oversaw much of the construction.

When was the current city hall opened? Construction was completed in 1934, and the building was officially inaugurated in 1936.

Why is the city hall's belfry a UNESCO World Heritage site? Standing 70 metres tall, the tower was recognized as part of a joint UNESCO listing of belfries across Belgium and France, valued for their historical and architectural significance as symbols of municipal autonomy.

What can visitors see inside the city hall? Visitors can admire the Council Chamber with its Val-Saint-Lambert crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and seven painted panels by Jos de Smedt, along with other richly decorated Art Deco interiors.