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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Balthus passage, originally called the covered passage from the Halle or passage from the Terrace, is a shopping gallery located in Autun, Saône-et-Loire. Built on the site of an open sky hall erected in 1737 under the direction of architect François Franque, it was transformed into a covered passage in 1848 by architect Palluet, who kept only the façade on the Champ-de-Mars square. This rectilinear passage, adorned with a neo-Renaissance decor and surmounted by a glass window, today connects the rue Général-André-Demetz to rue des Cordiers.

In the centre of the passage is a briard dog sculpture by the Austrian sculptor Paulette Latouche. The monument, listed as a site in 1967 and later listed as a historical monument in 1975, was renamed in 2008 in tribute to the painter Balthus. Its architecture thus combines 18th century heritage and 19th century transformations, reflecting the urban and commercial evolution of Autun.

The passage illustrates the adaptation of public spaces to modern needs, while preserving historical elements. Its glass roof and neo-Renaissance decor make it a remarkable example of the 19th century covered galleries, while its central location makes it a must-see place in the city. The successive protections (1967) and 1975 underline its heritage importance in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region.

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