Chamber of Commerce, Lille

Historic Building in Lille

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

The Chamber of Commerce in Lille, housed in the striking Nouvelle Bourse building, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks—both for its architectural splendor and historical significance. Built between 1910 and 1921, it stands proudly on Place du Théâtre, directly opposite the Vieille Bourse (Old Stock Exchange). Designed by Louis Marie Cordonnier, the building was conceived to serve as the new headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Greater Lille, an institution dating back to 1715.

The design reflects a bold Neo-Flemish style, evoking the grandeur of historic Dutch town halls and echoing the decorative richness of 17th-century Lille. Its most eye-catching feature is the 76-meter-high belfry, fitted with a four-faced clock and a carillon of 26 bells weighing a combined two tons, cast in 1984 by Luigi Bergamo of the renowned Cornille-Havard foundry. Scrolls, foliage, and sculptural ornamentation give the façade a sense of drama and refinement, tying it to the city’s Franco-Flemish roots.

Inside, the 25-by-25-meter hall of honor is a showpiece of elegance, featuring colonnaded galleries and a dome rising 17 meters overhead, richly painted with frescoes. The building houses a number of prestigious rooms, including the Descamps auditorium (seating 300), as well as ornately decorated salons such as the Reception Room, the Sessions Room, and the Kuhlmann Office, each featuring intricate woodwork and period murals. Recognizing its cultural and architectural value, the Chamber of Commerce was officially listed as a historic monument in 2015, cementing its place as a key piece of Lille’s built heritage and civic identity.

The Chamber of Commerce, Lille appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lille!

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