Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) of Menton

The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) of Menton was originally built between 1859–1861 by architect Victor Sabatier , commissioned by Baron Honoré Ardoïno , initially as a “Cercle des étrangers” , later a theatre and casino for the wealthy Belle Époque visitors.

In 1874, it served as the Théâtre des Folies Bergères , then again as a casino. It was purchased by the municipality in 1898 , extensively renovated, and has served as the municipal offices since 1901 .

The building is designed in the Neoclassical style , with symmetrical facades, columns, a balcony, and decorative stone surrounds. It is situated on a graceful green space , Place Ardoïno , designed in conjunction with the town hall; mature trees and monuments create a pleasant square.

Inside is the famous Salle des Mariages, one of the only official wedding halls in France considered a work of art . In 1957 , this extraordinary wedding hall was completely decorated by Jean Cocteau , with frescoes, furniture, and decorative elements – a true work of art in its entirety. Themes: mythology such as Orphée and Eurydice, African figures, local couples – all within the context of a civil wedding. One of the murals depicts a white cat with fiery eyes : Cocteau himself said this was his symbolic self-portrait .

Willem Vandenameele