Discover the secrets of the Hôtel de Sens, one of the few surviving medieval townhouses in Paris
The ongoing restoration of the courtyard paving and some of the stained-glass windows at the Hôtel de Sens offers an opportunity to explore the history and architecture of this distinctive landmark, a prominent feature of the Parisian cityscape. Built in the late 15th century in the Marais, the Hôtel de Sens originally served as the residence of the archbishops of Sens when they visited Paris. Now home to the bibliothèque Forney, it is striking for its resemblance to a small fortified castle amid an urban setting that was extensively altered in the 19th and 20th centuries. The building itself has undergone many transformations throughout its history, serving in turn as a stagecoach depot, a rental property, and a jam factory. Recent research has shown that around 1500, Paris was the scene of intense architectural creativity, with merchants, financiers, and officials from royal institutions competing to outdo one another. The Hôtel de Sens holds a special place in this context: its bold stylistic choices reflect the personality of its patron, Archbishop Tristan de Salazar, who intended to assert his standing among the Parisian elite. - The speaker, Thomas Morel, is curator of paintings and graphic arts collections at the château de Fontainebleau. He devoted his École des Chartes thesis to the historical and archaeological study of the Hôtel de Sens, research he continues today, while the rest of his work focuses on how people lived in grand residences during the early modern period.
Price: Reservation required
Source: paris.fr — photo: Ville de Paris