Hôtel Terminus, Art Nouveau hotel in 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France
Hôtel Terminus is a six-story Art Nouveau building from 1906 adorned with decorative facade elements created by artists Henri Martin and Edgar Boutry throughout its structure. The building stands near Lyon-Perrache train station and combines modern architectural design with traditional craftsmanship techniques.
The building was originally constructed as a headquarters for the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean Railway Company to highlight the importance of rail transport in Lyon. During World War II, it became the main office of the Gestapo under Klaus Barbie, fundamentally changing its historical trajectory.
The building showcases Art Nouveau design in its interior spaces, particularly in the entrance hall and former reading rooms where decorative details catch the eye. The style reflects the tastes of the Belle Époque period and appeals to visitors interested in early 20th-century artistic movements.
The hotel sits immediately next to Lyon-Perrache train station, making it easy to reach by rail and simple to navigate from the city center. Visitors should know this is an active historic building that can be viewed from outside, though interior visits typically require special guided tours.
The building features artistic decorations carefully crafted by skilled artists who adorned both its facade and interior spaces, making it a special example of fine craftsmanship. The blend of artistic work with architecture demonstrates how early 1900s designs transformed functional buildings into visual works of art.
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