A massive new mural has appeared just steps away from the Masséna metro station on Line A along Cours Vitton in Lyon's 6th arrondissement, transforming the streetscape with colorful portraits of everyday people.
Cours Vitton has recently been adorned with new colors and fresh faces through this impressive artwork. The major thoroughfare in Lyon's 6th arrondissement welcomed the giant fresco in July, covering nearly 400 square meters on one of its buildings, positioned directly above the Square de la Légion d'Honneur and within walking distance of the Masséna metro station on Line A.
The surprising artwork, titled "Les anonymes à l'honneur" (Anonymous People in the Spotlight), was created by local artist Cobalt Mural, who received assistance from fellow artists Wenc, Louis Raia, and Nochichi. The mural was commissioned by the Society of Members of the Legion of Honor (SMLH), which wanted to celebrate France's highest honorary decoration through a large-scale public artwork.
However, the piece has a unique twist – it doesn't depict any actual medal recipients. "We took an original approach by choosing to represent people who were neither famous nor decorated, but who could become so at any moment," explained Cobalt Mural. "The Legion of Honor decorates a very broad cross-section of society, rewarding artists, acts of bravery, or simply life journeys. The goal was to show that this can concern everyone and anyone, and that passersby could identify with the characters on the wall."
This concept was taken particularly far, as some Lyon residents might even recognize themselves in the portraits. "I made sketches of people I encountered on the street and in the neighborhood. These are people who really exist," confirmed Cobalt Mural regarding the approximately fifteen portraits featured in the mural.
The project was completed on Monday, July 28, after six weeks of construction work. "Les anonymes à l'honneur" will be officially inaugurated on September 12 in the presence of the SMLH (which served as the sole financier of the project), the artists, and local institutions.
The mural represents a creative interpretation of the Legion of Honor's mission to recognize merit across all levels of French society. By featuring ordinary citizens rather than famous recipients, the artwork democratizes the concept of honor and achievement, suggesting that every person walking past could potentially be worthy of recognition for their contributions to society.
The 400-square-meter fresco adds to Lyon's rich tradition of public art and murals, contributing to the city's reputation as a canvas for large-scale urban artwork. The strategic location near the busy Masséna metro station ensures that thousands of commuters and residents will encounter these anonymous faces daily, potentially sparking reflection on the nature of recognition and achievement in contemporary society.
