Ever wondered how a plain wall can tell a city’s story? That’s exactly what the ARA Mural in Lyon does. Right here on the corner of Quai St. Vincent and Rue de la Martinière, we have the Fresque des Lyonnais.
This isn’t just any painting. It’s a vibrant mural that captures Lyon’s rich history. It’s a tribute to the people who shaped this city. The ARA Mural covers a large wall. It measures 800 square meters. 200 square meters are on the St. Vincent side. 600 square meters grace Rue Martinière.
The project took nine months. It transformed a windowless wall into a destination of Lyonnais culture. The artist cooperative CitéCréation painted it between 1994 and 1995. The goal was to revitalize this central area. It’s one of Lyon’s busiest districts.
Look closely at the ARA Mural. You’ll see 30 figures from Lyon’s history. There are 24 historical figures and six contemporary ones. The modern characters are painted at street level. This makes it seem like they are interacting with today’s residents and visitors.
The ARA Mural uses a “trompe-l’oeil” technique. This “trick of the eye” makes the painting look incredibly real. It feels like you are looking at a busy building with people on balconies.
Among the figures, you’ll find Emperor Claudius. He was born in Lyon when it was called Lugdunum. Claudius extended the Roman Empire to include North Africa and Britain. You can still see Roman influence in Lyon’s theaters and aqueducts.
There’s also Pierre Puvis de Chavanne. He was a mural painter who created works in Paris. Jean de Verrazane is another figure. He explored the Atlantic coast of the United States. He is said to have discovered the site of New York City.
Joseph-Marie Jacquard is on the ARA Mural too. He invented the Jacquard loom. It automated silk weaving. This revolutionized Lyon’s silk production. Philippe de Lasalle is also featured. He was known for his ornate silk designs.
Contemporary figures include Bertrand Tavernier. He is a film director and screenwriter. He won a BAFTA award for “Life and Nothing But.”
On the Rue Martinière side, you’ll see St. Irénée. He was a bishop of Lyon in the 2nd century. Ste. Blandine is also there. She is the patron saint of Lyon.
Louise Labé, a Renaissance poet is depicted. She encouraged women to write about passion. Maurice Scève, another poet focused on spiritual love, is also present. Juliette Récamier, a symbol of French salons, is also painted on the ARA Mural.
Claude Bourgelat is another notable figure. He founded the world’s first veterinary school in Lyon. Pauline Jaricot, a missionary, is also shown. Claudine Thévenet, founder of a religious organization for youth education, is included too.
The ARA Mural also features Général Major Martin. He founded schools in India and Lyon. Jean-Baptiste Say, an economist who advocated for free trade, is another figure. André-Marie Ampère, the founder of electromagnetism, is also depicted.
Laurent Mourguet and his puppet Guignol are there too. Guignol represents Lyon’s silk workers. Antoine de St-Exupéry, author of “The Little Prince,” is also on the mural.
Other figures include Antoine de Jussieu. He was a botanist who classified flowering plants. Marcel Mérieux, a biochemist who created the Institut Mérieux, is shown with his grandson. Claude Bernard, a physiologist, is also present.
Edouard Herriot, who served as mayor of Lyon for over 50 years, is another figure. Tony Garnier, an architect and city planner, is also depicted. The Lumière brothers, inventors of the cinematograph, are also on the ARA Mural.
Modern figures include Bernard Pivot, a journalist and television host. L’abbé Pierre, a priest who founded Emmaus, is also present. Bernard Lacombe, a football player, and Paul Bocuse, a renowned chef, are also part of the ARA Mural. Frédéric Dard, a crime novel writer, completes the picture.
To get the best view, visit the ARA Mural in the morning. The light hits it perfectly around 10 or 11 a.m. Take some time to wander around the area. You’ll find other smaller wall paintings. The ARA Mural is more than art. It is a journey through Lyon’s history. It celebrates the people who made Lyon the city it is today.