The city of Moulins is presenting an extensive program of architectural tours and exhibitions during the European Heritage Days, highlighting how modern architecture can harmoniously blend with historic preservation. The festival explores the delicate balance between respecting ancient stonework and embracing new eras with contemporary uses, showcasing numerous examples throughout the city where architectural expertise has transformed heritage buildings that have changed their original purposes.
One of the most prominent examples is the National Center for Stage Costume, formerly a military barracks that was on the verge of collapse before being saved at the last moment. Visitors who knew Moulins before 2005 remember the building's imminent catastrophe. A special tour on Sunday at 10:30 AM will focus specifically on the work of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who designed the wing dedicated to storage reserves, covered with a steel mesh coating that resembles medieval chain mail.
The Italian-style theater of Moulins, originally designed by Hippolyte Durand (the architect behind Alexandre Dumas' Villa Monte-Cristo), has been recently restored by Imholz Architects and Associates. The theater renovation work, which took place in 2019, represents another significant example of successful heritage preservation. Guided tours of the theater will be available on both Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The city's media library has also undergone a dramatic transformation, jumping from the 19th century straight into the 21st century. This renovation, along with the festival hall constructed by Marcel Génermont, was overseen by the architectural firm Mètre Carré. A special tour of these facilities will take place on Sunday at 2:30 PM, with the meeting point in front of the festival hall.
Visitors can also explore the transformation of the former Colisée cinema, which evolved from dark screening rooms to conference and meeting spaces, and finally into bright, welcoming areas for the House of Arts and Crafts and Design (MMAD). This remarkable renovation project will be showcased on Saturday from 10:00 AM to noon and from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. At the MMAD, Florence Moulins, an upholsterer from Neuvy, will demonstrate her craft on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, particularly through the restoration work she conducted in 2024 on the chairs in the wedding hall of Moulins' City Hall.
The City Hall itself, built in the 19th century, has just completed another phase of renovation work and remains an active restoration site. The Moulins Municipal Archives are displaying documents and restoration projects for both the City Hall and the Jacquemart clock tower. The archives will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to noon and from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, guided tours will be conducted on Sunday at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. The Municipal Archives will also open their doors at 37 Dr. Denis Street on Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering an unprecedented behind-the-scenes visit.
The Hotel de Mora, which has housed the Youth Illustration Museum on Voltaire Street for twenty years, will offer architecture-focused tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 AM. A web documentary about the building will be screened on Saturday at 2:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Mantin House will present its architectural story from the exterior on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to noon and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with reservations available at museesallier.fr or by calling 04.70.20.48.47.
The heritage celebration extends beyond Moulins proper to the commune of Chézy, which is offering visitors the opportunity to discover the architecture of Bourbon Sologne from the 18th and 19th centuries. Particularly featured is a half-timbered house in the town center, presented with visual aids and explanatory panels available for viewing Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Program brochures published by the metropolitan area can be found at the tourism office, the theater, or the river house. Unless otherwise noted, all scheduled events are free and do not require reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
