100 Years of History and Hospitality on Avenue Habib Bourguiba: Hôtel Carlton Tunis Celebrates Its Centenary

100 Years of History and Hospitality on Avenue Habib Bourguiba: Hôtel Carlton Tunis Celebrates Its Centenary

In 2026, Hôtel Carlton Tunis marks an extraordinary milestone: a century of hospitality, timeless elegance, and shared heritage in the heart of the capital.

1926–2026: A Century at the Heart of Tunis's Great History

Born in 1926 from the vision of its owner Giuseppe (Joseph) Abita and designed by French engineer-architect Gilbert Van Raepenbusch, the building set the foundation for modern architecture in Tunis as the very first hotel built on Avenue Jules Ferry (now Avenue Habib Bourguiba). Engineered around a pioneering lightweight steel framework, its construction was a remarkable technical feat of its time, completed in just one year. Today, its classified heritage facade—a blend of eclectic style with subtle Art Deco influences—continues to enrich the avenue through its distinguished character and impeccable preservation.

A Social Club for Dialogue and Memory

Beyond its architectural prominence, the Carlton established itself as a vibrant crossroads where the cultural and political memory of the country unfolded. Over the decades, it hosted influential intellectuals, journalists, and political leaders—including Marie-Louise Vaillant-Couturier, Georges Scapini, César Campinchi, Gaston Bergery, and Jean Mistler—alongside global cultural icons. From French actress Suzy Vernon in the late 1920s to the legendary Joséphine Baker in 1935, the hotel also became home to soul icon Nina Simone for several months in 1994 during her memorable performance at the Carthage Amphitheatre.

Civic Spirit and Historical Commitment

The hotel's history reached a pivotal turning point in 1958 under the leadership of Messaoud Ben Smail, a key figure of Tunisian-Algerian solidarity, launching more than six decades of family management. During the Algerian War of Independence, the establishment served as a discreet headquarters for FLN cadres. True to its spirit of refuge and civic commitment, the Carlton once again opened its doors on January 14, 2011, providing a safe sanctuary for peaceful demonstrators and journalists during the events in the capital.

An Art-Infused Hotel

This rich historical background goes hand in hand with an enduring passion for the arts, transforming the hotel into a living gallery over time. In 2018, the rear facade was adorned with a monumental mural by the street art collective ST4, followed in 2020 by Inkman's landmark Liberty sculpture. The hotel also houses original works by master artists such as Ibrahim Dhahak, Dhia Azzawi, and Fériel Lakhdhar, affirming the Carlton's role as a natural bridge between historic heritage and contemporary creation.

September 2026 Celebrations: Art Takes Center Stage

The centenary celebrations held on September 10 and 11, 2026, paid a vibrant tribute to Tunisian artistic creation right in the heart of Tunis on Avenue Habib Bourguiba.

The opening evening on September 10 highlighted the new wave of the local art scene, featuring performances by Radhi Chaouali, Dhirar Kefi, Fahd Abda, Amira Klai, and Mehdi Grissa.

The following night, the balconies of the centennial facade were transformed into suspended stages to host the Cercle Quartet Group, performing a captivating aerial show for the very first time in Tunis. The evening reached its climax with an open-air recital by renowned tenor Hassen Doss, whose voice resonated across Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Alongside him, actress Fériel Youssef, who traveled specifically from Cairo to serve as the face of the centenary, brought a touch of elegance and glamour to this historic night.

Extending these celebrations, an exclusive archival photo exhibition was hosted in the hotel lounges through September 15, offering visitors an intimate journey through a century of Tunis memories.

A Word from Management

"Celebrating 100 years of the Carlton Tunis in 2026 is an incredible source of pride. Since its creation, our hotel has preserved its name, its soul, and its deep roots in the heart of the capital. This centenary honors an exceptional legacy while affirming our vision for the future, embodied by our fully renovated guest rooms and our new conference spaces."

— Mr. Ridha Saidani, General Manager of Hôtel Carlton Tunis

Embracing a Second Century

Following extensive renovation work completed between 2023 and 2025, Hôtel Carlton Tunis seamlessly blends period architectural charm with modern hospitality standards. Featuring state-of-the-art flexible conference rooms and redesigned accommodation spaces, the hotel enters its second century with pride and ambition. Our entire team looks forward to welcoming you to 31 Avenue Habib Bourguiba to experience a stay rooted in history and sophistication.