A fundraising campaign to rebuild Limoges town hall has collected more than one million euros, according to France’s Ministry of Culture. The campaign, launched by the Fondation du patrimoine, had raised €1,007,700 by Monday midday, with contributions from more than 9,000 donors.
The historic building was largely destroyed in a fire during unrest on October 17. Its roof and belfry collapsed after the blaze, which followed damage to windows and the forced entry into the town hall. The building was inaugurated in 1883.
Initial work is expected to focus on securing weakened parts of the structure. The Ministry of Culture said a temporary roof should be installed by early 2027. The full restoration project is provisionally scheduled to start in 2028 and be completed around 2030 or 2031.
The total cost of the restoration is still being assessed. Shortly after the fire, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said during a visit to Limoges that the town hall would receive full protection as a historic monument, making it eligible for certain sources of funding.
The government also said the state would cover restoration costs with support from public and private donations, including the Fondation du patrimoine campaign. In late October, France’s National Assembly approved an amendment to the 2027 state budget introducing a tax reduction of up to 75%, capped at €1,000, for donations dedicated to the reconstruction.
Sources: Le Figaro.