Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Palais du Commerce, Lyon

Built in 1856, The Palais du Commerce (also known as Palais du la Bourse) was originally constructed to house offices for the commercial court, brokers and merchants, employment agencies and institutions of credit.


Aside from being a practical building, the Palais du Commerce is actually quite attractive—heavily ornamented in sculptures which represent the building’s ultimate use, as well as opulent friezes, gables, pediments and entablatures.

Long-celebrated for its beauty, the Palais du Commerce has been a favorite subject for those wishing to capture an image which represents Lyon. Photographs, drawings and paintings of the Palais found their way on souvenir pieces. Take this finely-crafted box, for example. With its original silk lining peeking out from behind beveled crystal panels, the box is surmounted by a hand-tinted image of the Palais du Commerce which has been inset with mother-of-pearl and backed in metal which serves to give the overall picture a glimmering magical quality.

Such a souvenir box had a dual purpose. For starters, it was a reminder of an important Lyon building. However, it also served as a kind of reliquary in which another souvenir of Lyon (or anything else) could be displayed. Presently, it remains empty. Not everything has to be full all the time to be beautiful.