It was constructed between 1840 and 1843 by two Protestant architects, namely Jean-Baptiste Buron et Hippolyte-Louis-Théophile Durand-Gasselin. The statues by Jean Debay represent the geniuses of Fine-Arts, Sciences, Industry, Trade, Agriculture, Navy and Four Seasons.
The roundels by Guillaume Grootaers feature Du Guesclin, Olivier de Clisson, le Général Dumoustier, Cassard, Abélard, Rabelais, Du Couedic, Rousseau de St-Aignan.