Metz station, Inside the Square, 2019

The station is the key element of the New German Town. It constitutes the central point and the most representative building. It was built between 1904 and 1908 in the Rhenish neo-Romanesque style, to recall the Romanesque style which was very successful in the Holy Roman Empire. It appears to be the only great example of this style in France. It is built for the transport of goods and civilians but also, for a strategic purpose, to move as many soldiers as possible in as little time as possible. A competition was launched in 1901 and won by the German architect Jürgen Kröger. He is assisted by Jürgen Bachmann and Peter Jürgensen. All the avant-garde techniques of the beginning of the 20th century are used: electricity, central heating, ventilation and reinforced concrete. The station is a huge building, stretching over three hundred meters. The asymmetries and the numerous offsets make it possible to distinguish the different structures. Located in front, the passenger departure building catches the eye. Its plan, its ornamentation and its tower are reminiscent of a church nave. The tower is reminiscent of a bell tower. Located at 1 Pl. du Général de Gaulle, 57000 Metz.