A curious blend of old and new. That’s Rue Morellet for you. Nestled between the bustling Boulevard des Belges and the quieter Rue Boileau it’s a short street with a rich history.
Rue Morellet is named after André Morellet a significant figure in Lyon’s literary scene. Born in Lyon in 1727 he died in Paris in 1819. A member of both the Académie de Lyon and the Académie française he contributed to prestigious works like the Académie’s dictionary and Diderot and Alembert’s encyclopedia. He played a key role in the Academy’s survival during the French Revolution. His contributions ensured its revival after the tumultuous period. His legacy lives on not only in the pages of history books but also in the name of this unassuming street.
The street’s character is defined by its proximity to the Musée Guimet. The museum’s south-facing facade is impressive. It begins with a beautiful rotunda topped with a lightning rod. The facade stretches along the street. It features two entrances beneath ornate capitals one discreet and the other grand. The grand entrance boasts impressive sculptures and two large columns crowned by griffons. Unfortunately modern air conditioning units slightly mar the architectural harmony.
On the north side a bench offers a rest for visitors to the museum. A pretty enclosed garden sits at the corner. At the street’s end stands a modern seven-story building with numerous angles. This building appears to date from the mid-20th century. This contrasts sharply with the historic museum. The juxtaposition shows the evolution of Lyon’s urban landscape.
The museum itself is a significant part of Rue Morellet’s story. Opened in 1913 it housed remarkable exhibits until its recent closure. The museum even displayed one of the oldest rocks in the world. It also featured a meteorite dating back to the solar system’s formation. That’s a fact which brings the cosmos to this small Lyonnaise street. The museum’s presence shaped the street. Its modern high-rise neighbour completed Rue Morellet’s unique visual identity. A local legend claims someone attempted to reconstruct the museum’s whale skeleton using branches from the garden. This tale highlights the quirky charm of Rue Morellet. You can even easily depart on a Vélô’v bike from here. Quite convenient isn’t it? Rue Morellet a small street with a big story. A true Lyonnaise gem.