Palais du Commerce

The Palais du Commerce in the center of Rennes is a historic building constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally designed as a stock exchange, it has housed various institutions over the years, including a library, the regional art academy, and a national music conservatory. Since it first opened, the premises have also been home to a post office branch, the Café de la Paix, and a telephone exchange. Construction took place in two phases under the architects Jean-Baptiste Martenot and Emmanuel Le Ray, with the west wing completed earlier than the rest of the complex.

Architecturally, the building forms a U open to the north, made up of two symmetrical wings and a central pavilion. The wings are distinguished by eleven arched openings, while the central section is crowned by a roof with four ridges and a lantern. A passageway in the central pavilion connects the Place de la République with the Rue du Pré-Botté. The interior of the post office branch is decorated with a floor and wall mosaic by Isidore Odorico.

The palace is currently undergoing a transformation. Following an international competition, a project was selected that is meant to turn the building into a commercial space with shops, a hotel, and dining venues. Despite repeated delays to the construction start and changed plans for the expansion, the conversion has not yet been completed, and new investors are currently developing an updated concept.