Regular riders on metro line A will want to take a few seconds to look around them. As part of its vast renovation program for the historic stations on the line, SYTRAL Mobilités has just unveiled the new look of Gratte-Ciel, with one clear goal: modernize the spaces while making the daily commute a little more pleasant. Following the Foch and République-Villeurbanne stations renovated in 2025, this new phase continues the gradual transformation of line A. And this time, the inspiration comes straight from nature.
An imaginary forest in the heart of Lyon's metro
Called "Towards Green," the installation transforms Gratte-Ciel station into a dreamed-up forest where words replace trees. The project was created by the landForma group, GBA & Co and artist Joël Andrianomearisoa, who chose to bring the vocabulary of the wild world into the very mineral universe of the metro.
Large aluminum structures thus welcome words evoking nature and invite travelers to mentally compose their own poetry throughout their journey. Each visit to the station can therefore give birth to a different story, depending on the words encountered along the way. A rather elegant way to transform a few minutes of waiting into a little mental escape.
When art steps into travelers' everyday lives
With this renovation, SYTRAL Mobilités isn't just looking to modernize the facilities: the network is also becoming a genuine space for artistic expression. The goal is to enhance a heritage that represents several billion euros while improving the experience of the millions of travelers who use Lyon's public transport daily.
At Gratte-Ciel, architecture, words, and nature references blend together to create a unique atmosphere. The metro is no longer just a way to reach your next stop: it becomes a piece of artistic landscape to travel through.
Flachet station is also preparing its revolution
The staThe transformation of Line A doesn't stop at Gratte-Ciel. Work is currently underway at Flachet – Alain Gilles station, whose renovation should be completed in 2027. The future décor will this time pay homage to two very different worlds: Mario Botta's architecture and the world of sport, in reference to Alain Gilles, an emblematic figure of ASVEL.
Ceramic tiles, multiplied shapes and bouncing effects will make up an installation inspired by sports grounds. After the imaginary forest of Gratte-Ciel, line A metro is set to continue its artistic journey with a station that should feel more like a playground than an underground space.