How often do you consider the keepers of a city’s memory? Right here we have the Archives municipales de Lyon. This is more than just a building. It is the heart of Lyon’s history.
The Archives municipales de Lyon collects and preserves Lyon’s public records. It also gathers private archives related to Lyon’s history. These archives have been maintained since the 13th century. They now fill over 17 kilometers of shelves.
Imagine documents from Lyon’s administration since its beginning. Private collections from families and businesses enrich these sources. The Archives municipales de Lyon also holds over 100000 photos. It features 12000 postcards and 40000 posters. There are 100000 maps and plans.
The historical archives of the Hospices Civils de Lyon are also here. These are a significant complementary collection. The library has around 45000 books and periodicals. It includes special collections from the Maristes and Hospices Civils de Lyon.
The Archives municipales de Lyon has moved several times. From the 14th to 17th century, the archives moved with the municipal assembly. They were first kept in the Saint-Jacquême chapel. This chapel was near the Saint-Nizier church. Later, they moved to a communal house on Rue Longue. A fire in 1508 destroyed some documents. There were also thefts of archives.
In 1653, the archives found a stable home in Lyon’s new city hall. A vaulted room was designed for them. This room had barred windows and a metal door for protection. During the French Revolution, some archives were destroyed. These included titles of nobility.
In 1890, the Archives regained independence. They had been managed with departmental funds. In 1925, an inspection recommended improvements. The Archives were partly placed under the Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon. The archives were split between the city hall and the Palais Saint-Jean.
Finally, in the early 2000s, the Archives municipales de Lyon moved here. This building was the first postal sorting center of Lyon. The architect Jean Clapot designed it. It was renovated by Albert Constantin. The design preserved the original facades. The courtyard became an exhibition space.
Today, the Archives municipales de Lyon continues its mission. It collects, preserves, and shares Lyon’s history. The Archives organizes thematic exhibitions and conferences. It also provides educational workshops and online access to digitized collections. The Archives is open Monday from 1 PM to 5 PM. From Tuesday to Friday, it opens from 8:45 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM. Exhibitions are open Saturdays from 1 PM to 6 PM.
Take a moment to appreciate the Archives municipales de Lyon. It is a place where the past is kept alive for the future. As Guillaume Paradin said: “The only means of the long duration of a flourishing city are the archives.” This invites every visitor to consult the archives. It reminds them to exercise their rights as citizens.