Fresque Lyon, la santé, la vie Mural

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Lyon, the Fresque Lyon, la santé, la vie Mural stands as a testament to the city’s rich medical heritage. The mural, a sprawling masterpiece of 500 square meters, adorns two buildings. These buildings once housed the Lipha Laboratories. Now, one serves as a home for the French Red Cross. The Fresque Lyon, la santé, la vie Mural, predominantly blue, a nod to the Lipha Laboratories’ signature color, was brought to life in 1993 by CitéCréation. This cooperative of Lyonnaise artists has garnered international acclaim for their stunning frescoes and trompe-l’oeil creations. The Fresque Lyon, la santé, la vie Mural pays homage to 30 luminaries of Lyonnaise medicine. Their portraits, frozen in time, tell a story of innovation, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Among the depicted figures are Claude Bernard, the father of modern physiology, and Auguste Lumière, the co-inventor of cinema and a self-taught biologist. François Rabelais, writer and physician at the Hôtel-Dieu, and Alexandre Lacassagne, professor of medicine whose name graces a nearby street, also find their place on the mural. Even Tony Garnier, the architect behind the Edouard-Herriot Hospital, is featured. This mural is more than a static display of portraits. It is an interactive experience. At the base of the mural, panels provide biographical information about each figure in both French and English. This allows visitors to delve deeper into the lives and contributions of these remarkable individuals. In 2011, the French Red Cross acquired one of the buildings adorned by the mural. Recognizing its historical significance, they undertook its restoration. The mural, faded by time, was refreshed and protected with a varnish, ensuring its longevity for generations to come. The restoration went beyond mere preservation. It also included a reimagining of the mural’s message. A scientific committee, comprised of prominent figures within and outside the Red Cross, was assembled to reflect on the mural’s personalization and enrichment. Their goal was to integrate elements related to the history, values, and missions of the Red Cross, while also giving greater prominence to women within the monumental artwork. The revitalized mural, renamed “Humanisons la Vie!”, honors the celebrated figures of Lyonnaise medicine alongside the volunteers, students, and employees of the French Red Cross. Their daily commitment to social action, emergency aid, healthcare, education, and international outreach is now woven into the fabric of the mural. At the heart of this reimagined narrative is Sabine Zlatin, founder of the Izieu children’s colony and a Red Cross nurse. Her portrait occupies a central position next to Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross movement. Scenes of Red Cross workers providing aid to the vulnerable further underscore the organization’s humanitarian mission. The Fresque Lyon, la santé, la vie Mural is a vibrant chronicle of Lyon’s medical legacy and the unwavering dedication of those who strive to improve the health and well-being of others. It’s a testament to the power of art to educate, inspire, and connect us to the past.