Context
In November 2010, the gastronomic meal of the French was registered in the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. To reinforce this achievement, the French Mission for the Heritage of Food Cultures (MFPCA) was appointed and launched a call for projects with local authorities. It was in June 2013 that Lyon was selected to host one of the 4 International Cities of Gastronomy with Tours, Dijon and Paris-Rungis.
Project
The International City of Gastronomy in Lyon opened its doors in autumn 2019 (that of Rungis, Tours and Dijon will open later). It covers 4000 m2 and is located under the Dôme des Quatre-rangs, the oldest part of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu.
The project consists of:
- a permanent exhibition space.
- an interactive gastronomic atlas that allows you to travel around the world of taste.
- a room called "Le Repas" which
- a "Banquet" room, in a traditional Lyon brasserie decor, with Chefs who have marked the region such as “Mère” Eugénie Brazier or Paul Bocuse, to talk about famous Lyon delicacies such ’tablier de sapeur’ or ‘quenelle’ dumplings
- a "Banquet" room, in traditional Lyon brasserie decor, dedicated to chefs such as “Mère” Eugénie Brazier or Paul Bocuse, and famous Lyon delicacies such as the ’tablier de sapeur’ or ‘quenelle’ dumplings
- a room devoted to the history of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu exhibits the main theme of the City: the link between food, gastronomy and health approached in a fun way.
- a gastroludotheque that offers families an educational space to understand the food cycle
- a modern museography where all the visitor's senses are called upon: taste, but also sight, smell
- a cuisine where chefs offer workshops, demonstrations and ... tastings.
- a room devoted to the challenges of tomorrow's food
- a “Gastrolab” co-working space to promote local initiatives for food and health professionals
- A research, innovation and knowledge transfer laboratory for food and health professionals in France and around the world
Project leaders
Supported by the City and the Metropolis of Lyon, the International City of Gastronomy brings together 11 private partners invested in sponsoring the project. 300,000 visitors are expected in a full year.
The Little Extra
This unique place aims to:
- Transmit: the vital importance of eating better and the pleasure of eating well, the richness of French gastronomy and that of the world, the quality of the French way of life
- Reveal: the secrets of world gastronomy, the terroirs, the products, the trades, the know-how.
- Offer a place of creation, transmission and learning open to all.
- Federate: professionals in the sector, experienced enthusiasts as well as neophytes
Welcome the world: become a place of innovation, creation and sharing where the key elements of French and world culinary heritage, its practices and current trends meet.
Written by Alice Deshons, LFC volunteer - March 2019.
Last modification : 30 Mar 2020.