A metal birdman takes flight. Right here in Place Tolozan, Le Patineur defies gravity. He balances on one leg, roller skates poised for action. Le Patineur, also known as “The Man of the Future” or “The Man of Liberty,” is a truly impressive sight. This five-meter-tall bronze sculpture captures the energy of a skater in mid-glide. César Baldaccini created this masterpiece in 1989. It was installed here in 1992. Its wingspan stretches over five meters. The sculpture weighs a hefty five tons. Le Patineur’s journey to Place Tolozan was quite eventful. Initially commissioned by the Société Lyonnaise de Conseil en Investissement (SLYCI), it was meant to grace this very spot. However, SLYCI went bankrupt and the sculpture’s fate became uncertain. The city of Lyon initially declined the sculpture. Then, it was sold at auction to the Chaîne Thermale du Soleil. A legal battle ensued as the new owners wished to relocate Le Patineur. Thankfully, the Fondation Léa et Napoléon Bullukian stepped in. They purchased the sculpture and generously donated it to the city. This ensured that Le Patineur would remain a fixture of Lyon. Look closely at the dynamic form of Le Patineur. You can almost feel the wind rushing past as he glides through the air. It’s a powerful symbol of freedom and the human spirit. Le Patineur stands as a testament to the power of art and the dedication of those who fought to keep it in Lyon.
Hôtel de Cuzieu
Question. What stories could these walls tell? Right here we are standing before the Hôtel de Cuzieu at 30 rue