Salle Molière

Salle Molière is a historic concert hall in Lyon, tucked inside the Palais Bondy on the quai de Bondy, on the right bank of the Saône in the Saint-Paul district (5th arrondissement). It's the kind of venue visitors stumble onto while wandering Old Lyon — and then come back for an evening concert.

Where did this hall come from?

The Palais Bondy was built between 1902 and 1904, designed by architect Eugène Huguet. The building was meant to finally give Lyon's Conservatoire a home of its own — until then it had no dedicated space — along with exhibition rooms. Salle Molière itself opened on 21 February 1912. In its original form it held nine hundred spectators, spread across several levels: the stalls, box seats, an amphitheater, and an upper gallery.

The name pays tribute to the playwright Molière, who passed through Lyon several times with his theater troupe — in 1652, 1653, 1655, and 1658. It was in Lyon, in 1655, that he staged his first major comedy, "L'Étourdi ou les Contretemps." The city clearly felt that was reason enough to attach his name to its own performance hall.

What survived the war?

The hall's history hasn't been smooth. In 1944, the demolition of the nearby Pont de la Feuillée seriously damaged the Palais Bondy — the façade was riddled with debris, windows shattered, and the glass roof covering Salle Molière collapsed. The hall was rebuilt afterward, but smaller: capacity dropped from nine hundred to around seven hundred seats. Despite the damage, it kept its character and, more importantly for musicians and audiences alike, its excellent acoustics.

Why is it worth a visit?

Since 2003, Salle Molière has carried the label "Patrimoine du XXe siècle" (20th-Century Heritage), recognizing its architectural and historical value. It's still regarded as one of the most appreciated concert venues in Lyon, largely thanks to acoustics that make even a small chamber recital sound remarkably full. As a municipal hall, its program is varied — classical concerts, Conservatoire performances, and cultural events organized by the city.

How do you get there?

Salle Molière sits right in the heart of Old Lyon, so the easiest approach is on foot from the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica or Saint-Jean cathedral — the walk along the Saône is worthwhile in itself. The nearest metro stop is Vieux Lyon (line D), with tram stops also close to the quai de Bondy. It's worth pairing a visit with a stroll through Saint-Paul, one of the best-preserved Renaissance quarters in the city.

When should you visit?

The hall operates year-round, but the concert schedule is richest in autumn, winter, and spring, when the Conservatoire and municipal cultural institutions hold most of their events. Summer programming tends to be lighter, so it's worth checking the calendar before planning a trip around it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Salle Molière a concert hall or a theater? It's primarily a municipal concert and performance hall, run by the city of Lyon — used for concerts, recitals, and cultural events, though it carries theatrical roots through its namesake.

How many seats does it have today? After post-war reconstruction, the hall seats around seven hundred, down from the original nine hundred in 1912.

Why is the hall named after Molière? Because the playwright visited Lyon several times in the 17th century, and it was here, in 1655, that he first staged his comedy "L'Étourdi ou les Contretemps."

Does the building have heritage protection? Yes — since 2003 it has held the official "Patrimoine du XXe siècle" designation, recognizing its architectural significance.