House of Victor Hugo in UK Opened to Public

Victor Hugo in 1867 by Bertall. (AFP)
Victor Hugo in 1867 by Bertall. (AFP)
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House of Victor Hugo in UK Opened to Public

Victor Hugo in 1867 by Bertall. (AFP)
Victor Hugo in 1867 by Bertall. (AFP)

After a renovation that cost more than 4 million euros (4.5 million dollars), the house of iconic French writer Victor Hugo (1802-1885) in his British exile was opened to public on Sunday.

The romantic dramatist, poet and novelist spent almost 15 years in exile on the British island of Guernsey off the French coast in the English Channel.

According to the German news agency, Hugo designed the Hauteville House in St. Peter Port himself and was also inspired by his works.

His son Charles called the huge house overlooking the sea an "autograph on three floors and a poem in several rooms."

Hauteville House now belongs to the city of Paris. French art collector and patron Francois Pinault took on about 3.5 million euros of the cost of the renovation, with the rest financed by Paris.

Hugo, who won world renown with his works "Les Miserables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," was exiled for rebelling against the coup d'etat in which Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte took power in December 1851, paving the way for the reintroduction of the monarchy the next year.

Hugo's house is scheduled to remain open until September 30.



Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
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Riyadh Season 2025 Breaks Record with 20 Million Visitors

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)
Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination. (Riyadh Season)

Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Chairman of the board of directors Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh announced that the fifth annual Riyadh Season has received a record-breaking 20 million visitors, marking an unprecedented milestone since the event’s inception in 2019, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Riyadh Season has solidified its reputation as a global entertainment hub, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and beyond. Popular destinations such as Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Boulevard Runway have seen particularly high foot traffic, offering a diverse range of artistic performances, international games, fine-dining experiences, and immersive cultural exhibits.

The mild winter weather and public holidays have further fueled attendance, with adventure seekers flocking to the Dunes of Arabia for camping and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" exhibition at the Saudi National Museum has captivated fashion and art enthusiasts. The Groves has also emerged as a prime attraction, featuring international cuisine, live music, and a unique ambiance.

Additionally, major sporting events—including boxing matches, martial arts competitions, and padel tournaments—have drawn significant crowds, alongside concerts featuring renowned artists from around the world.

Surpassing 20 million visitors, Riyadh Season continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic entertainment events, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a premier global entertainment destination.