To the west of Paris, this unusual town hall stands as a true monument to Art Deco design, with its striking architecture having earned it prestigious awards.

Just outside Paris, in the commune of Puteaux, a striking building captures the eye and sparks curiosity. This town hall, built in the 1930s, stands out as a notable example of Art Deco architecture in the Parisian region.

Constructed between 1930 and 1934 by architects Édouard and Jean Niermans, the Puteaux Town Hall perfectly embodies the Art Deco era. At the time, béton and geometric lines were all the rage, as architects aimed to bring a touch of relief and modernity to public buildings. Their efforts paid off: the building even received an architectural award in 1937. From the outside, its symmetrical façade and bas-reliefs immediately set the tone—clean, straight, and organized. Far from the ornate flourishes of Art Nouveau or the grandeur of Baroque styles, this structure maintains an understated elegance with its neat, refined decor.

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Inside, several well-known signatures from the era can be found. The ironworks bears the mark of Raymond Subes, the frescoes were painted by Louis Bouquet and Pierre Dionisi, and the exterior sculptures are signed by Alfred Janniot. These names are instantly recognizable to Art Deco enthusiasts.

Geometric patterns on the floor, wooden paneling, and clever lighting all contribute to the overall ambiance. It embodies a certain sense of 1930s good taste. Today, amid a cityscape often overshadowed by the modern towers of La Défense just nearby, the Puteaux Town Hall harkens back to a time when public architecture aimed to be both functional and welcoming, with a bold visual style. Its presence stands as a testament to the importance placed on art and urban planning during the early decades of the 20th century.

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