La Sucrière ([la sy.kʁi.jɛʁ], French for "The Sugar-House") is a building devoted to contemporary art, located at 48 Quai Rambaud on the banks of the Saône in the Confluence quarter of the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France.
History
The building was constructed in 1930 and originally served as a factory warehouse for storing sugar. It was enlarged in 1960 and eventually abandoned in 1990. Three silos were added to the south side in 1976. The building underwent a complete renovation in 2003, led by architect William Vassal, to transform it into a venue for contemporary art exhibitions.
Architecture and Use
La Sucrière covers approximately 9,000 m² (97,000 sq ft) across three floors, featuring a complex and original industrial architecture. Since 2007, it has served as the main venue for the Biennale of Contemporary Art in Lyon, one of the largest contemporary art events in Europe. The space also hosts other cultural events such as the Nuits Sonores music festival and various immersive exhibitions.
Notable Events
In 2008, an exhibition featuring plastinated human bodies (flayed corpses) sparked controversy regarding the origin of the specimens. The exhibition attracted approximately 4,000 visitors per week.
Other Uses of the Name
"La Sucrière" is also the name of a French bakery and pastry shop located in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, in the Caribbean.
