Saint-Quentin is a true capital of Art Deco, bearing witness to a rich past shaped by post-war reconstruction. After World War I, the city was largely rebuilt in this iconic architectural style of the 1920s and 1930s, blending geometric shapes, clean lines, and modern materials such as concrete, brick, and glass.
A Must-See Architectural Tour
As you stroll through the city center, you will immediately be struck by the many Art Deco buildings lining the streets. The Town Hall, with its façade adorned with mosaics and sculpted motifs, is a perfect example of this era. The former Grands Magasins des Nouvelles Galeries, now repurposed as shops and offices, showcase a typical façade with large glass windows and stylized ornaments. Be sure to visit the Maison de l’Art Déco, a museum space that immerses visitors in the refined and modernist world of the period through furniture, decorative objects, and archival documents.
A Style Found in Leisure Venues Too
Art Deco is not limited to administrative and commercial buildings. It is also present in iconic leisure venues such as the Jean-Vilar Theatre, featuring stylized friezes and a richly decorated interior. The Saint-Quentin swimming pool is another striking example, with its colorful mosaics and rounded lines reminiscent of the glamorous bathing facilities of the Roaring Twenties.
To celebrate this unique heritage, Saint-Quentin hosts the Printemps Art Déco festival every year, honoring this golden age with guided tours, exhibitions, performances, and various events.