The square is named after Stanislas Leszczynski, an exiled king of Poland who became Duke of Lorraine in 1737, and whose concept it was. It was intended to link the old and new parts of the town and at the same time honour his son-in-law Louis XV, king of France. The architect Emmanuel Héré managed to create a space which was both royal and also of functional value for the townspeople. Jean Lamour produced the heavily gilded and ornate railings which are a feature. The buildings are in classical style and today include the City Hall, Opera House, Fine Arts Museum and the Grand Hotel. A statue of Stanislas stands in the centre. Major restoration was undertaken for the 250th anniversary in 2005 to recreate its original plan and it is now pedestrianised. Together with the Place d’™Alliance and Place de la Carria¨re it forms a UNESCO World Heritage site.