Restoration of the Fernet-Branca eagle

An emblem of expertise made in Saint-Louis

The project

The eagle and its globe, as well as the interlocking beams supporting them, are in a precarious state and require urgent structural repairs.

The eagle consists of a metal structure to which embossed copper elements forming the animal's feet and feather-covered body are fixed. The entire assembly must be inspected and treated in a specialized off-site workshop.

The glazed globe is made up of assembled metal segments that form the facets of the globe. The existing coloured plexiglas elements will be restored or replaced with new coloured panes that match them exactly.

The listed façade and the Fernet-Branca logo will also be repainted.

The Site and Its History

The distillery began operations in 1909, producing a bitter herbal digestif called Fernet-Branca, named after its inventors: Dr. Fernet, a physician and herbalist, and the Branca family, who owned the factor.

The building is topped with the brand's commercial emblem—a copper eagle. Created in 1906 by the Ludovico Ruhlmann workshops for the Fernet-Branca company pavilion at the Milan Universal Exhibition, the eagle was installed on the Saint-Louis distillery building in 1907.

Since the end of production, the former distillery has housed a contemporary art foundation. Since 2004, more than 1,500 m² have been dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

The Mobilization

Visible not only from the train but also from Saint-Louis’s main thoroughfare, the eagle is an emblematic landmark. Some say it is to Saint-Louis what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris—such is its prominence in the town’s urban landscape.

• Project Cost: €580,000
• Fundraising Goal: €50,000
• Start of Work: Early 2025

DONATE ONLINE ou Download the donation form for payment by cheque

Fondation du patrimoine

The Fondation du Patrimoine is the world’s leading charitable organization dedicated to preserving France’s heritage. By bringing together public and private efforts, the Foundation actively contributes to local economic development, job creation, and the preservation of traditional skills

€1 donated to heritage = €21 in economic benefits 
(According to a 2020 study by Pluricité for the Fondation du Patrimoine)
 

Security and Transparency

Recognized as a public-interest organization, the Fondation du Patrimoine ensures financial security and transparency. Each project undergoes thorough evaluation and is subject to strict oversight. Donations are disbursed only after the work is completed and upon submission of paid invoices.

Your donation supports an ambitious high-quality project.

Mission Patrimoine

This project was selected as part of Stéphane Bern's Mission Patrimoine program, which aims to safeguard endangered heritage sites throughout France.

 DONATE ONLINE ou Download the donation form for payment by cheque

Contacts

Partenaires