Lyon, France, is well-known for its murals, also referred to as frescos or trompe-l'oeil (French for "deceive the eye"). These murals have become an integral part of the city's culture and identity, transforming urban walls into works of art that depict the city's history, inhabitants, culture, and various social issues. Some of them are so intricately designed that they create an optical illusion of depth and real-life scenarios.
Here are some notable murals in Lyon:
Mur des Canuts: This is one of the largest murals in Europe and is located in the Croix-Rousse district. It represents the neighborhood's history and its traditional silk-weaving industry, the Canuts. Updated twice since its creation, the mural portrays the evolution of the district and its inhabitants.
La Fresque des Lyonnais: This mural features several of Lyon's prominent figures, including author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Lumière brothers, chef Paul Bocuse, and Roman Emperor Claudius, who was born there. This work of art is located on the corner of 2 Rue de la Martinière and the Quai Saint-Vincent.
Mur des Écrivains (The Writers' Wall): Located in the Bachut library's square, it presents famous authors from various eras who have made significant contributions to the world of literature.
Fresque de Tony Garnier - La Cité Idéale: This is an open-air museum that features 25 murals inspired by architect Tony Garnier's utopian urban project, "The Ideal City." It offers a reflection on architecture and urban planning.
Fresque Végétale de la Croix Rousse: A recent addition to Lyon's murals, it highlights the importance of urban greenery and the need for biodiversity preservation.
These murals are the work of various artists, but many of them have been created by the local artist cooperative "CitéCréation," which has been decorating the city's walls since the 1970s. The creation of these murals has helped to brighten up the urban landscape and establish Lyon as a significant global center for urban art and mural painting.
These are some additional murals you can encounter while strolling around the city. Keep your eyes on the architecture, and occasionally, a double take may be necessary to discern that what you're looking at is, in fact, a mural.