Ancien siège du Progrès, Former newspaper headquarters in 2nd arrondissement, Lyon, France

The building at 85 rue de la République stands out for its theatrical masks and decorative mosaic created by artist Antonio Mora. It now houses a Fnac store and remains a notable example of late 19th century architecture in the city.

The structure opened in 1879 as a theater designed by Émile Guimet and architect Jules Chatron. In 1895 it became the headquarters of the newspaper Le Progrès, marking a shift in its purpose.

The name "Le Progrès" in gold letters on the facade dates from the building's years as the newspaper's headquarters, from March 1895 to 1985. The sculpted heads in relief above the arch and the mosaic by Antonio Mora recall its first use as the Bellecour theatre, opened in 1879.

The building sits along rue de la République and is easily accessible by public transportation in central Lyon. You can examine the architectural details of the facade while visiting the Fnac store that now occupies the space.

The theatre restaurant was bombed on 23 October 1882 by Fanny Madignier and other anarchists in the Assommoir attack, a revenge against the Lyon bourgeoisie that killed one person. It is counted as the first fatal act of propaganda by deed in French history.