Located between the slopes of Croix-Rousse and the Rhône, Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon's most iconic squares. A true historical and cultural crossroads, it embodies both the city's architectural power and its contemporary dynamism.
Bartholdi's Fountain
Dominated by the imposing City Hall, it is most famous for its spectacular fountain created by the sculptor Bartholdi, who also created the Statue of Liberty. Its sea horses seem to leap from the water in a scene that is both powerful and theatrical.
Museum of Fine Arts
Alongside it, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, housed in the former Saint-Pierre Abbey, contains one of the richest art collections in France, ranging from Antiquity to modern art.
Key facts
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Opening : 1803
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Place : Saint-Pierre Palace, Place des Terreaux, Lyon
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Collections: more than 70,000 works
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Renown: often nicknamed "the little Louvre"«
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Management : City of Lyon
History and architecture
Founded during the Consulate, the museum developed in the buildings of the Saint-Pierre-des-Terreaux convent, whose cloister and classical facades date from the 17th century.
Major renovation work, carried out in the 1990s, restored the palace and redesigned the presentation of the collections in a bright and coherent setting.
Collections and departments
The museum covers a broad artistic panorama with nine departments: Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities; sculptures; decorative arts; European paintings from the 14th to the 20th century; and a rich collection of graphic art.
It contains works of Rembrandt, Delacroix, Monet, Picasso, And Rodin.
Cultural importance
The museum plays a major role in Lyon's and national cultural life. It regularly hosts international temporary exhibitions and contributes to art historical research. Its inner garden, open to the public, provides a haven of peace in the heart of the city.
Lively terraces
As evening falls, the square changes atmosphere: the play of light on the fountain and the facades creates a vibrant, almost magical atmosphere.
The lively terraces make it an essential meeting place for both locals and visitors.
Between heritage, art and urban life, Place des Terreaux is much more than a simple passage: it is a true symbol of Lyon's identity.
