Maison Novello

Maison Novello Rennes, France: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Discovering Maison Novello

Maison Novello is a striking emblem of Rennes’ industrial and architectural evolution, reflecting the city’s transition from a burgeoning manufacturing center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to a vibrant cultural hub. Built in 1898 and expanded in the early 20th century, the building was commissioned by the Novello family, influential industrialists of Italian origin who left a significant mark on Rennes’ urban landscape. Maison Novello stands out for its fusion of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, innovative use of reinforced concrete, and decorative mosaics that highlight both the technological advancements and artistic flair of its era.

Originally serving as the headquarters for Novello & Fils—a company specializing in mechanical and agricultural machinery—the building has since transitioned into a private residence and heritage site. Its architectural features and historical significance make it a key stop for anyone exploring the cultural and industrial history of Rennes. While interior access is generally limited, Maison Novello’s façade is a highlight of local walking tours, and rare interior visits are possible during annual cultural events, notably the European Heritage Days.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Maison Novello’s origins, architectural significance, visitor information, and nearby attractions, ensuring a well-rounded experience for travelers and history enthusiasts alike. For more resources and up-to-date information, consult official tourism sites and heritage organizations such as Rennes Patrimoine and the Rennes Office of Tourism.

Origins and Architectural Development
Industrial Role and Economic Impact
Social and Cultural Importance
Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
Visiting Maison Novello: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Directions and Nearby Attractions
Visual Highlights and Media Resources
Legacy and Urban Influence
Notable Events and Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Origins and Architectural Development

Maison Novello is situated at 54, mail François-Mitterrand, in the heart of Rennes (Monumentum). Designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Martel and completed in 1898, the building uniquely blends Art Nouveau and Art Deco motifs. Its façade features ornate ironwork, stained glass, Ille-et-Vilaine granite, and red brick, reflecting both regional materials and innovative construction techniques.

The Novello family’s expertise in reinforced concrete and decorative mosaics is evident throughout the structure, particularly in the geometric lines, angular cornices, and colorful mosaic panels. The original design included commercial spaces on the ground floor and administrative offices and private residences above, exemplifying the multifunctional needs of a prosperous industrial family (POP Culture).

Industrial Role and Economic Impact

Maison Novello was the headquarters for Novello & Fils, which produced agricultural machinery, notably threshing machines and ploughs. At its peak, the company employed over 120 workers, contributing to the modernization of Brittany’s agriculture and the economic vitality of Rennes (Archives municipales de Rennes). Easy access to the Gare de Rennes facilitated efficient distribution of products across western France. By 1912, the company reported substantial revenues, underscoring its regional influence (INSEE Bretagne).

Beyond its industrial function, Maison Novello was a focal point for Rennes’ artistic and social scene. The Novello family hosted exhibitions and musical performances, bringing together artists and intellectuals (Rennes Métropole Culture). During World War I, the building contributed to the war effort and later supported the community through scholarships for workers’ families. Today, it continues to symbolize Rennes’ spirit of cultural innovation and community engagement.

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Economic shifts in the interwar period led to the decline of Novello & Fils. The building was sold to the city in 1937 and designated as a protected heritage site in 1948 (Monuments Historiques). Subsequent restoration efforts have preserved its original features—such as wrought-iron staircases and stained glass—while adapting spaces for cultural use. Maison Novello now houses a small museum, a café, and co-working areas, serving as a model for adaptive reuse of industrial heritage (Tourisme Rennes).

Visiting Maison Novello: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

General Access

Regular Access: Maison Novello is a private residence and is not open for regular public tours or interior visits (Monumentum).
Special Events: Interior access is offered only during special events, most notably the European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in September (European Heritage Days Official Program).
Exterior Viewing: The façade and architectural features can be admired from the public sidewalk year-round.

Tickets

Regular Admission: No regular ticketing is available due to private ownership.
Event Access: When open for special events, access may be free or require advance booking via the Rennes Tourist Office.

Accessibility

The area surrounding Maison Novello is pedestrian-friendly and accessible for wheelchair users.
Guided tours conducted by the Rennes Tourist Office often include Maison Novello’s exterior as a stop.

Directions and Nearby Attractions

Getting There

Metro: Closest station is Sainte-Anne; from there, walk to mail François-Mitterrand.
Bus: Multiple lines serve the area, see Rennes Tourist Office for schedules.
By Foot/Bike: The building is within walking distance of the city center and near bike-sharing stations.
Parking: Limited street parking; public transportation is recommended.

Nearby Rennes Historical Sites

Old Town (Centre Historique): Half-timbered houses, vibrant squares (Ariatravels).
Parc du Thabor: Botanical gardens in French and English styles.
Musée des Beaux-Arts: Art from the Renaissance to modern periods.
Parlement de Bretagne: Historic courthouse with guided tours.
Marché des Lices: Renowned Saturday market.

Visual Highlights and Media Resources

Façade: Clean lines, blue ceramic window frames, and decorative mosaics.
Entrance: Ornamental cement jardinières and angular Art Deco motifs.
Virtual Tours: Rennes tourism website offers photos and virtual resources.

Legacy and Urban Influence

Maison Novello’s innovative architecture and adaptive reuse serve as a blueprint for preserving industrial heritage in a modern urban context. Its influence extends to other restoration projects in Brittany and exemplifies the integration of heritage conservation with Rennes’ dynamic urban development (Bretagne Culture Diversité, Rennes Urbanisme).

Notable Events and Recognition

Centenary Exhibition: “Un Siècle d’Industrie à Rennes” (1998) celebrated the building’s history.
Label Patrimoine du XXe siècle: Awarded by the French Ministry of Culture in 2015 (Ministère de la Culture).
Ongoing Restoration: Recent additions include solar panels and an elevator for improved accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Maison Novello open to the public year-round?
No, it is a private residence. Interior access is only possible during special events, usually in September.

Are tickets required?
No regular tickets are sold; special event access may require advance booking.

Can I photograph the building?
Yes, exterior photography from public spaces is allowed.

Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the surrounding area is flat and wheelchair accessible.

What other sites should I visit nearby?
Consider the Old Town, Parc du Thabor, Musée des Beaux-Arts, and Parlement de Bretagne.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

To make the most of your visit:

Check the Rennes Tourist Office for event updates and guided tour schedules.
Download the Audiala app for curated walking tours, interactive maps, and exclusive audio guides.
Respect the privacy of residents and heritage protections when visiting.
Follow local heritage organizations on social media for updates on cultural events.

Summary: Key Points and Visitor Invitation

Maison Novello is a vital testament to Rennes’ industrial, architectural, and cultural history. Its Art Nouveau and Art Deco features, reinforced concrete, and decorative mosaics speak to the Novello family’s legacy and the city’s rich heritage. While interior access is limited, Maison Novello remains an essential landmark, accessible from the street and during special cultural occasions.

Explore Rennes’ architectural gems—and Maison Novello’s unique story—by planning your visit around key events, utilizing the Audiala app, and discovering other nearby historical sites to enrich your experience.