Maison de l’Université

From atop Fourvière Hill, the illuminated Maison de l’Université beckons. It stands as a testament to Lyon’s academic heart. The Maison de l’Université, once known as the Palais des Facultés, has witnessed the evolution of higher learning in Lyon. Originally built to house the Faculties of Law and Letters, it played a key role in the establishment of the University of Lyon in 1896. This university brought together the previously disparate faculties of Sciences, Letters, Medicine, and Law. The Maison de l’Université also housed an impressive library. By the late 19th century, it boasted thousands of volumes, spanning medicine, science, literature, and law. The grand amphitheater, situated under the central dome, hosted lectures and university events. Its symbolic ornamentation, including palm leaves, laurel branches, and the Lyon coat of arms, reflected the prestige of the institution. The Maison de l’Université’s courtyard featured a statue of Claude Bernard. This celebrated physician and physiologist symbolized the university’s scientific pursuits. The building’s facade, designed in a neoclassical style, showcases intricate details, including sculptures with mythological references. The events of May 1968 led to the division of the University of Lyon into three separate entities. The Maison de l’Université was then allocated to Lumière University Lyon 2. It continues to be a vital part of Lyon’s academic landscape. The university system, now known as the Université de Lyon, comprises twelve members and nine associated institutions. It stands as the third-largest university hub in France, after Paris and Toulouse. The Maison de l’Université remains a beacon of knowledge and a testament to Lyon’s rich history of education.