Théâtre des Célestins and the Periscope of the Square
Why is it significant?
Stand on the peaceful cobblestones of Place des Célestins and gaze upon the majestic Italianate neoclassical facade of the Théâtre des Célestins.
Key Facts
| Place | Théâtre des Célestins and the Periscope of the Square |
|---|---|
| Address | Place des Célestins 4, 69002 Lyon, France |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.75950, 4.83150 |
| Part of Walk | Presqu'île Royale: Grand Squares, Soufflot's Dome, and Bartholdi's Fountain |
| Generated | Generated |
Stand on the peaceful cobblestones of Place des Célestins and gaze upon the majestic Italianate neoclassical facade of the Théâtre des Célestins. Rebuilt between 1877 and 1881 by architect Gaspard André following a devastating fire, this temple of dramatic art features a monumental hexastyle portico with soaring Corinthian columns, sculpted stone masks representing comedy and tragedy, and an opulent red-and-gold horseshoe auditorium modeled after Milan's La Scala. The square occupies the grounds of an ancient Celestine monastery founded in 1407 by the Count of Savoy, where pious monks cultivated peaceful riverside orchards and medicinal herb gardens along the Saône for four centuries. In the center of the square stands a modern optical wonder: a rotating periscope lens designed in 1997 by artist Daniel Buren and architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Peering through the lens into the circular opening in the pavement, visitors can see down into the subterranean parking structure, where a slowly turning kaleidoscope mirror reflects spiraling stone vaults, curved walls, and colorful lights under the warm glow of theatrical chandeliers. The juxtaposition of nineteenth-century theatrical drama and playful modern art delights passersby of all ages and backgrounds.
Peer into the central brass periscope: Buren's inverted kaleidoscope transforms a mundane underground parking garage into a hypnotic, glowing kinetic art installation that has won international architectural prizes.
Renowned actors from Sarah Bernhardt to Jean Marais and modern French cinematic icons have graced this stage, making the Célestins one of the most prestigious municipal repertory theatres in France.
Notice the tranquil tree canopy: shaded by magnolias and plane trees, this secluded square is an idyllic retreat favored by theatregoers and neighborhood chess players on sunny afternoons.
Walk north through Rue Mercière and Rue Grenette to reach the imposing and historic Gothic twin steeples of Église Saint-Nizier.