The city hall of Paris is a monument that became quite famous during the French Revolution. After the storming of the Bastille prison, the building became a symbol of the freedom of the people of Paris. On the 17 July 1789, the first mayor of Paris, Jean-Sylvain Bailly welcomed Louis XVI to give him the tricolor french symbol: white, symbol of royalty, surrounded by the colors of Paris, blue and red. During this period of great troubles, this was done in a way to separate power from the monarchy by creating a place for the people as impressive as the Palace of Versailles. To copy the beauty of Versailles, the architects created majestic lounges in this former “House of the pillars” standing since 1357. All are used to receive important visitors, such as heads of state or ministers. They are also useful in some official celebrations organized by the city of Paris. The main facade is ornamented with prominent figures of the city of Paris, artists, scientists, politicians, industrialists. The old Town Hall expanded under Louis-Philippe had been decorated with standing statues representing famous men in the capital. They have mostly been destroyed during the Paris Commune. The ballroom of the Town Hall of Paris was designed as a replica “Republican” in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles built two more centuries before. After being burned during the Commune of Paris (1871), the town hall was rebuilt in Renaissance style during the Third Republic. The frescoes on the arches of the hall represents the sixteen provinces of France. They are the work of four painters Jean-Joseph Weerts, François-Émile Ehrmann, Paul Milliet and Ferdinand Humbert After the reconstruction of the Hotel de Ville, in larger dimensions, new statues, many more are commissioned to decorate the facades and courtyards. The library of the town hall is an architectural gem. Law students and researchers can study the ancient books in a setting of woods and colonages. The library was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the building in 1871 under the Commune. The town hall was the first public building lit by electricity … but only the most prestigious parties such as lounges. Therefore, in the early twentieth century, firefighters Paris demanded that the library is no longer supplied with gas. The Protocol organizes Free guided tours of the reception rooms of the City Hall, according to their availability. This service is available Monday to Friday. For Groups : Contact the Protocol Department at 01 42 76 54 04. It is advisable to make an appointment about two months in advance – but latecomers can also try their luck … Languages: French , English, German, Spanish , Italian, Russian. Duration: 1 hour. Visit could be unexpectedly canceled if occupancy of rooms For individual visitors : A weekly visit in French is available for about 30 people – summer : two weekly visits. The day and time will be announced on the Friday before the visit. It varies from week to week (earliest on Monday morning, by Friday afternoon) registration : – Contact the hosts of the city hall , 29 rue de Rivoli ( 4th district ) from Monday to Saturday from 10h to 19h. – By phone from the hosts of the city hall : 01 42 76 43 43 ( Monday to Saturday from 10h to 19h ). – With the Protocol service : 01 42 76 50 49 or 01 42 76 54 04 To know more about his important piece of architecture