Hôtel des Échevins, Historical monument in Bourges, France
The Hôtel des Échevins is a 15th-century rectangular building featuring a distinctive external spiral staircase tower and a spacious ground floor hall dominated by a monumental fireplace. The architecture combines late Gothic elements with practical spaces originally designed for municipal administrative functions.
The building was constructed in 1490 under the direction of master masons Jacquet de Pigny and Jacquet Gendre, who were accomplished craftsmen. It initially served as a gathering place for municipal officials before later serving different purposes.
The Estève Museum, located here since 1987, displays works by French painter Maurice Estève featuring his abstract oil paintings and tapestries. The collection allows visitors to experience modern art within a medieval architectural setting.
The building is open to visitors year-round through guided tours organized by the Bourges tourist office. Plan your visit in advance to check tour availability and any special exhibitions currently being displayed.
An abstract bronze sculpture by Alexander Calder has occupied the courtyard since 2014, creating an unexpected dialogue between contemporary art installation and medieval stonework. This contrast demonstrates how historical spaces embrace new artistic interpretation.
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