Marvelous isn’t it? This sculpture garden at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. It’s more than just a pretty place. It’s a living history lesson. Think of it as a chronological walk through sculpting styles.
This garden was once the cloister of a 17th-century abbey. The nuns who lived here enjoyed a peaceful courtyard with a central fountain and exotic plants. Now it’s filled with masterpieces. The museum started acquiring sculptures from its very beginning. Artists like Joseph Chinard and Clémence Sophie de Sermèzy were early donors. The museum even had a gallery dedicated to important Lyonnais figures.
In the 1800s the garden was redesigned. They added casts of Greek friezes from the Parthenon. These now adorn the arcades. Think about the history embedded in that alone. Bronze medallions of famous Lyonnaise artists were added later.
But it’s the sculptures themselves that really steal the show. Rodin’s Age of Bronze stands proudly. His Shadow offers a softer contrast. Antoine Bourdelle’s Carpeaux at Work captures the energy of sculpting. Other artists are represented too. Cugnot’s Drunken Faun. Delorme’s Flute Player. Legendre-Héral’s Giotto. Each piece tells a story. Each piece reflects a moment in time.
The garden even has monumental marble sculptures. Castalia or the Source of Poetry by Guillaume and Gilliatt is breathtaking. Carlier’s Octopus is simply unforgettable. Antique molds decorate the walls. Venus de Medici. Diana of Gabies. The Discobolus at Rest. These are not mere copies. They represent the enduring legacy of classical art.
As you stroll along the paths you’ll notice how the garden blends seamlessly with the museum. It’s a continuation of the museum’s collection. It extends the artistic journey beyond the walls. The sculptures whisper tales of talent and inspiration. They echo through centuries. They’re not just objects but expressions of human creativity.
So take your time. Absorb the beauty. Reflect on the skill and passion of the artists. Let the sculptures of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon’s garden transport you. Let them speak to you across the ages.