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Contemporary art in Lyon

Lyon brings contemporary art into public space: place des Terreaux by Daniel Buren, decorated car parks, murals, and architecture by Nouvel, Piano and Calatrava. The Contemporary Art Biennial takes place in even-numbered years (2026 edition: 19 September 2026 to 3 January 2027).

Squares and architects

Place des Terreaux, redesigned by Christian Drevet and Daniel Buren, has as many columns as the Palais Saint-Pierre has windows, and 69 mini-fountains that change colour. At the centre stands Bartholdi's fountain (1892). Jean Nouvel designed the Opera, Renzo Piano the Cité internationale, Santiago Calatrava the TGV station at the airport, and the firm Coop Himmelb(l)au the Musée des Confluences (2014).

Art in the car parks

At the Célestins car park, Daniel Buren created Sens dessus dessous, a shaft with arcades and a slanted mirror. At the République car park, François Morellet plays with neon lines, and Matt Mullican evokes the site's history at the Terreaux.

Murals

The association CitéCréation, founded in 1978, has painted many walls to make art accessible to all. The Fresque des Lyonnais, on the quai de Saône, gathers figures from the city's history. The open-air Musée urbain Tony-Garnier has more than 25 murals.

Biennials

The Contemporary Art Biennial has taken place in even-numbered years since 1991; the 2026 edition runs from 19 September 2026 to 3 January 2027. The Dance Biennial alternates with it in odd-numbered years, since 1984. The MAC Lyon, at the Cité internationale, hosts exhibitions.

Updated 25 October 2026.