Manufacture des tabacs de Lyon, Former tobacco factory in 8th arrondissement of Lyon, France
The Manufacture des Tabacs is a former factory in Lyon's 8th arrondissement that spans a large industrial complex with distinctive brick facades. The site now operates as a university campus featuring study spaces and a four-story library.
The project began in 1912 but was interrupted by World War I, finally opening in 1932 as a factory. The site remained an industrial center for over a century before its transformation.
The building becomes a canvas for artistic installations during the Festival of Lights, featuring projections that explore themes of freedom and human connection. These temporary works engage with the space in ways that speak to contemporary audiences.
The campus is an active university space with public pathways, making it straightforward to navigate during the day. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to explore without crowds.
Before becoming a tobacco production site, the land served as a military defense point with historical significance. This layered past remains embedded in the location even as it serves a completely different purpose today.
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