Église libre d'Écosse - Salle Saint-Exupéry - Menton

It is a fascinating example of ingenious reuse : a religious building transformed into the cultural heart of the city.

It was originally built as the Église libre d'Écosse (Free Church of Scotland - Scottish Presbyterian Church) specifically for English-speaking tourists visiting Menton for health reasons, and opened in July 1891 , thanks to Pastor James Ewing Sommerville.

In October 1955, the church donated the building to the city of Menton, although the official transfer was not completed until 1957–58, including pews and cushions.

On January 25, 1968, the building reopened as the Salle Saint-Exupéry , named after the famous French author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Since then, it has served as a venue for conferences, theater, music, film screenings, and other events.

The interior retains the church's nave , with its wooden ceiling and arcades along the walls. Yet, the hall boasts modern amenities: 180 seats , a stage of approximately 33 m², projection and sound technology , wheelchair accessibility, and nearby restrooms and parking. Thanks to the original church structure, the hall boasts excellent acoustics , making it a favorite venue for chamber concerts and choirs .

In 1986, the population chose to restore the building instead of demolishing it, with the roof and bell tower being repaired, and later interior renovation in 2002.

willem vandenameele