Built in the mid-19th century, the Church of Saint-Eugène–Sainte-Cécile has a feature found nowhere else in Paris: it has no bell tower. This singularity is neither due to an oversight nor to an architect’s whim, but to a practical reason. Located next to the historic Paris Conservatory, it was simply necessary not to disturb the musicians during their rehearsals…
The present-day Rue du Conservatoire, in the 9th arrondissement, was once called Rue Bergère. It was here that, at the end of the 18th century, it was decided to establish a Royal School of Singing, later complemented during the Revolution by a School of Music. Throughout the 19th century, the institution continued to evolve, offering, in addition to instrumental instruction, classes in dance, lyrical and dramatic declamation, theatrical deportment, and body movement. In short, it was a very serious school, dedicated to the country’s artistic elite.
At the beginning of the Second Empire, while Paris was being transformed in every direction during the great urban renewal works, Napoleon III decided to build a church in the neighborhood. The church would be dedicated to Saint Eugene, in tribute to the Emperor’s uncle, Eugène de Beauharnais. Built in just 20 months and inaugurated in 1855, it was highly modern for its time behind its medieval-style façade, as it used an entirely metal framework, giving it great lightness and brightness.
However, the architects had above all to take into account the proximity of the conservatory and ensure that its occupants would not be disturbed. Imagine flutists having to stop playing at the ringing of the 11 a.m. bells, or future members of the Théâtre-Italien having to raise their voices during the call to Mass! For this reason, it was decided that the church would not be equipped with a bell tower. Close to the conservatory, the Church of Saint-Eugène–Sainte-Cécile does not ring its bells.
The conservatory has since moved, first to Rue de Madrid at the beginning of the 20th century, and today to Porte de la Villette. The former Rue Bergère became Rue du Conservatoire in memory of this illustrious past. And in 1952, at the request of the parish priest, the church was given a second dedication: that of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.
