Palais de la Bourse, Renaissance Revival palace in 2nd arrondissement, France.
The Palais de la Bourse is a Renaissance Revival palace in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement featuring four corner pavilions surrounding a spacious central hall. The building showcases ornate sculptural work and decorative stonework throughout its exterior and interior spaces.
Emperor Napoleon III opened the building in 1860 as a commercial center housing the stock exchange, Chamber of Commerce, and Commercial Court. These institutions moved out in 1995, ending its role as the city's main business hub.
The main hall inside displays ceiling paintings by regional artists and sculptures representing virtues like justice, temperance, agriculture, commerce, and industry. These images show what the merchants who used this building valued most.
The palace sits between Place des Cordeliers and Place de la Bourse and is easily reached from Cordeliers Metro station. Access to the halls and courtyards is often possible when special events are not taking place.
A red paving stone marks the spot outside where President Sadi Carnot was assassinated in 1894. This small memorial reminds visitors of a dark moment in French history tied to the building's location.
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