Regional conservation of historical monuments

The Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments (CRMH) is responsible for the conservation, restoration and enhancement of historic monuments in the Normandy region. Headed by the regional curator of historical monuments, it comprises several cells:

• a general affairs unit historical monuments
• a census cell, protection, documentation, exploitation
• a unit responsible for scientific and technical control, project management and project management assistance (AMO)

The Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments records the protection of buildings that are likely to be fully or partially protected as historic monuments because they present, as specified in Articles L621-1 and L621-25 of the heritage code, "a public interest in history or art" for classified monuments and "sufficient interest in history or art to make its preservation desirable"for listed monuments. The necessary documentation is collected and updated. The files are then presented for opinion to the Regional Committee on Heritage and Architecture (CRPA), chaired by the Prefect or his representative, then, for those for whom a wish for classification has been made, to the National Commission for Historic Monuments placed with the Minister of Culture.

The classification or inscription of buildings as historic monuments entails for the owners as appropriate the obligation to prevent the regional conservation of historic monuments or to require, as the case may be, the agreement or authorization of the prefect before initiating restoration, repair or maintenance work. The CRMH ensures that owners comply with heritage legislation, issues work authorizations or issues the required notices.

In particular in conjunction with the architects of the buildings of France, the Regional Conservation of Historic Monuments is preparing an annual programme of work to assist in the restoration and maintenance of listed or listed monuments, as well as that relating to movable objects. It then carries out the scientific and technical control of the works carried out by the public and private owners; it also carries out the work on the monuments belonging to the State and assigned to the Ministry of Culture.

The regional conservation of historical monuments also contributes to the establishment of protected areas (AVAP) and finally promotes knowledge of the regional heritage by supporting awareness-raising activities, particularly during heritage days or by promoting its action through publications.