Place Adolphe Max

Place Adolphe Max is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris and is easy to reach via the Place de Clichy and Blanche metro stations. Originally known as Place Vintimille, it opened in 1844 on the site of the former Tivoli Park. It was named after Countess Vintimille, a widow from the noble Greffulhe family, in honor of her family. The square did not receive its current name until 1940, when it was renamed for the Belgian politician and mayor of Brussels, Adolphe Max.

At the center of the square is Square Hector-Berlioz, a public park that has carried this name since 1905. A statue of the famous composer Hector Berlioz stands here, underscoring the peaceful character of the green space. The site also has a history shaped by a controversial sculpture: in 1852, the sculptor Mathieu-Meusnier erected a statue of Napoleon III in the pose of Prometheus. Outraged by the depiction of the nude emperor, the artist withdrew the work and had it destroyed.

For visitors, Place Adolphe Max offers a glimpse into the urban development of 19th-century Paris. Besides relaxing in the park, you can also explore the historical significance of the surrounding buildings. For example, the painter Eugène Boudin lived at number 11 from 1871 to 1898, which gives the square a cultural and historical depth.