The Universal, International, and Colonial Exhibition of Lyon

Imagine Tête d’Or Park transformed into a vast showcase of progress. In 1894, Lyon hosted the Universal, International, and Colonial Exhibition, a spectacular event that attracted nearly 3.8 million visitors in just six months. At the time, the city wanted to demonstrate its industrial and commercial dynamism to the world and prove that it could rival the great capitals. At the heart of the park stood an extraordinary structure: the Grande Coupole, nicknamed “the umbrella.” Picture an immense glass-and-metal structure more than 200 meters (656 feet) in diameter, with elevators, a walkway suspended 20 meters (66 feet) above the ground, and electric lighting powerful enough to rival that of the entire city. Around this architectural achievement, visitors discovered dozens of pavilions dedicated to the arts, sciences, industry, agriculture, and the new inventions that were transforming everyday life. But the exhibition also revealed another side of the 19th century. An entire section was devoted to the colonies, with palaces dedicated to Algeria, Tunisia, Indochina, and French West Africa. Reconstructed villages presented people from Senegal, Dahomey, and Sudan. At the time, these displays attracted large crowds; today, they are analyzed as “human zoos,” revealing colonial attitudes and the inhumane treatment of the people who were exhibited. On June 24, 1894, the exhibition was marked by a tragic event. During an official visit to Lyon, President of the Republic Sadi Carnot was attacked by Italian anarchist Sante Geronimo Caserio. He died from his wounds the following day, making this tragedy one of the most memorable moments associated with the event. Today, no buildings remain from this immense exhibition in Tête d’Or Park. Only photographs and archives allow us to imagine the scale of a celebration that, for a few months, transformed Lyon into a true capital of progress and innovation.