Bourse du Travail de Saint-Étienne, Neoclassical historic monument in central Saint-Étienne, France.
The Bourse du Travail de Saint-Étienne is a neoclassical building with a symmetrical facade centered by a main section and two flanking wings. Its design features composite pilasters and ornamental medallions that decorate the outer walls.
This labor exchange was constructed between 1901 and 1902 by architects Léon and Marcel Lamaizière and was the third of its kind established in France. It came after similar institutions had already been built in Paris and Nîmes.
The inscription 'Liberty, Equality, Solidarity, Justice' carved into the facade represents the values that workers and trade unions cherished when this building was new. These words remain visible to visitors today and speak to the role this place played in the labor movement.
The building sits on Cours Victor Hugo and is easy to reach by tramway lines T1 and T3. Saint-Étienne-Le Clapier train station is nearby, making it convenient to visit from other parts of the region.
The medallions on the side pavilions display symbols from the General Confederation of Labor, including a Phrygian cap and a lion. These visual symbols held deep meaning for workers and their political aspirations of the time.
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