History of Gadagne

The Gadagne site was reborn in the Middle Ages, in the 14th century to be precise, with the construction of the House of Boysette alongside rue Saint-Jean.

During excavations in the major courtyard, the discovery of an ice room hollowed out from a depth of 4.30 metres, put this dwelling on the prestige properties’ list. In fact, at the time, the use of ice rooms was often associated with a high economic and social context (castles and abbeys). It should be noted that this was a rather incredible discovery for the Lyon region.

The house developed rapidly over the century, above all, the ice room was condemned and converted into a cesspool. The outbuildings gradually gained ground and were transformed into dwellings during the 15th century.

From the mid 16th century onwards, the block was divided into two separate plots, which developed in different ways. In 1545, the Gadagnes, incredibly rich Florentine bankers, purchased the northern plot from the Pierrevive family.

Thomas and Guillaume de Gadagne therefore became the owners of the northern part (10-12 rue Gadagne). They could not, however, move into the premises straightaway due to a notarial deed stipulating a short-team lease up until 1548.

They resold the property in 1581, and therefore only occupied the premises for a few decades or so. Nevertheless, their pomp and power left an indelible mark on Lyon and their name has gone down in history.

From 1648 onwards, a report compiled by the master masons and carpenters of the town referred, for the first time, to the house called Gadaigne. Several years later, “Rue Pierre-vive” mentioned on the scenographic plan became “rue des Gadagne”.

The building remained intact in the 18th century but was divided into numerous small apartments during the 19th century. Around 1898, the Commission archéologique du Vieux-Lyon (Archeological Commission of Vieux-Lyon) referred to all of these buildings as remarkable structures.

Renting increased during the 19th century. The big merchant families had long since left the district and, for a whole century, it had been one of the town’s poorest areas.

The building changed the status. Almost sixty families went to live there : windows were walled up and groups of huts set up…. The large rooms were divided into small dwellings with attic roomsinvolving the creation of new corridors, new doors and mezzanine floors.

The dwellings were fitted with sinks, heating systems and pipes to drain away waste water.

These changes barely affected the architectural structure of the building. Most of them were removed during the first refurbishment works carried out on the museum in the early part of the 20th century.

Some remarkable murals nevertheless remain from this period. Financed by a group of hunters, they have nowadays been restored and are on display in the International Puppet Museum.

Following excavation, work started in 2001 and in July 2003, the museum closed to the public.

The new temporary exhibition rooms were inaugurated in 2007 with the Lyon 1800-1914 Exhibition : Change the town, conquer the world…

Ten years after building works started, the Gadagne site reopened to the public in June 2009. Magnificently restored, extended and revamped in line with current standards, visitors can now clearly see the two major collections sheltered under its roof : the Lyon History Museum and the International Puppet Museum.

The site is further enhanced by terraced gardens, a small theatre, a coffee and a shop.

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