Lyon might be famous as the gastronomic capital of France, but its cultural appetite is just as voracious. Nestled between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this UNESCO-listed city is a treasure trove of history, fine arts, cinema, and science.
Whether you are dodging rain showers or escaping the summer heat, the city’s diverse collection of institutions offers a perfect window into its soul. From ancient Roman ruins to contemporary art spaces, there is a narrative waiting for every type of traveler.
Unlike the sprawling museum districts of Paris, Lyon’s cultural gems are woven directly into the fabric of its neighborhoods. You can wander from a Renaissance courtyard in Vieux Lyon into a world-class history museum without ever feeling the disconnect of a tourist trap.
The city has invested heavily in making its collections accessible, interactive, and visually stunning. Many of the venues are housed in architectural masterpieces, meaning the buildings themselves are often as compelling as the artifacts they contain.
One of the greatest advantages of museum-hopping in Lyon is the sheer variety. A single day can take you from the delicate brushstrokes of Impressionist masters to the intricate mechanics of automated puppets, and finally to the macro-scale wonder of a film set.
Because the city is compact and well-connected by public transport, you do not need to spend hours commuting between attractions. This density allows for a slower, more immersive style of tourism where you can truly appreciate the details.
For budget-conscious travelers, Lyon is a remarkably generous city. Most municipal museums offer free admission or heavily discounted rates, and the Lyon City Card provides significant savings if you plan to visit multiple sites. However, the true value lies in the curation.
These are not dusty, forgotten collections; they are living spaces that actively engage with the community through workshops, temporary exhibitions, and late-night openings. You will often find locals mingling with tourists, adding an authentic layer to the experience.
To help you navigate this rich landscape, we have curated a list of the essential stops. This selection prioritizes not only the quality of the collections but also the uniqueness of the experience. We have looked beyond the obvious to include spaces that offer distinct perspectives on Lyon’s identity, from its silk-weaving heritage to its cinematic legacy.
Whether you have a weekend or a week, these destinations will help you understand why Lyon is considered a cultural powerhouse in Europe. Here is our selection of the best museums Lyon has to offer.
Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
| Address | 20 Pl. des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 10 17 40 |
Hands down my favourite art museum in Europe. The collection is amazing and there’s such a good mix of paintings, sculptures, and ancient artifacts. Every gallery feels a little different, so it never gets repetitive
The highlight for me was the courtyard garden in the middle of the museum. It’s absolutely beautiful and has such a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll see people reading, chatting, or just sitting there enjoying the space, and it honestly feels like a little escape from the city
The museum is laid out really well so it never feels overwhelming. I spent a 2 hours here and still felt like I could’ve stayed longer. The paintings were especially stunning, and I really appreciated how well everything was displayed. The staff were also warm and welcoming, which made the whole visit even better. If you only have time for one art museum in Lyon, do drop by and check this out! 🎨
Amazing place to see art! Quite impressed by the number of collections, their quality and diversity! I am so happy to have passes but I highly recommend it! It is quite nice to see it and also you can expect to spend around 1 hour there. Some paintings are huge, others are small, some orher collectikns are also quite unique! All in all, friendly staff and nice atmosphere! Definitely, a must for someone visiting Lyon! You will not regret it!
Very large art museum with an excellent collection of painting, sculpture, artifacts and more from various periods and by many masters including: Monet, Matisse, Degas. Plan on spending at least two hours to wander around and admire the pieces. They also have a good size gift shop and an excellent cafe with great pastries!
Beautiful arts museum with variety of art from classic masterpieces to ancient Egypt and Greece to impressionists. I wish I had more time to spend but even at fast pace I got a lot of positive vibe from the visit. There were no lines to enter, friendly cashiers and convenient locker place. Very nice courtyard…
Went to get some relief from the sweltering heat and pleasantly surprised by free entry so everyone could enjoy some AC and fine art. A really classy move and also noted extended opening hours. The structure was magnificent and home to many impressive art works. I recommend fully - heatwave or not ❤️
Musée des Confluences
| Address | 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 28 38 12 12 |
Great museum. Nice size, the shop is perfectly curated. I could buy everything. The exhibition are so well designed. Well done.
1 negative point : the restaurant at roof is a bit basic. And the main restaurant at ground only offered brunch on the week end. For a food capital and the flagship museum, it could be better
I really loved the Musée des Confluences. It was surprisingly inexpensive compared with many of the other attractions we visited, which made me wonder if it's publicly funded to some extent.
It's hard to categorize what this museum is about because it has everything from Indigenous art and animal and insect exhibits to photography, civilizations, and human progress. It's a bit of a smorgasbord, but in a good way.
The highlight for me was the exhibit on North Korea. At first, I assumed it might feel somewhat artificial, figuring that the country would have tightly controlled what the photographer was allowed to capture. What made the exhibit so compelling, though, was that each main photograph was accompanied by the story behind it. Many followed a similar theme: the authorities would carefully control what the photographer was permitted to see, but whenever the opportunity arose, he would return with another camera and quietly capture more authentic, everyday moments that otherwise would never have been documented.
Not only were the photographs fascinating, but the stories behind them provided a unique glimpse into life and culture in North Korea. It was thoughtful, unexpected, and left me thinking about it for days afterward.
The architecture of the museum is also impressive, with its striking design, dramatic angles, and reflecting pools surrounding the entrance. It's definitely worth a visit!!
There was a lot of walking, but the workers were nice. The view was beautiful from there. Great for amazing photos. The only problem that I could find was that it was difficult for ME to find a parking spot for the car.
This museum is Absolutely perfect, the curating,all the organization, the exhibitions are extremely interesting. I could spend all day long there and I would find out something new and more interesting. Well, no spoiler, but this is one those museums that you must go and enjoy each exhibition. They are diving in permanent and temporaries. Then, its important that they are always working in new contents. But definitely currently the temporary exhibitions are incredible. I spend about 3 hours in this level and its worth so much. However, don't forget of the permanent exhibitions they also are incredible and are divide in four sectors "Origins, Species, Societies and Eternities". Congrats and Thank you to Musée des Confluences team for your dedication and effort. Keep up the amazing work!!!
Interesting displays, I enjoyed my visit. The museum is full of new and exciting displays, as well as the constant ones.
However there are some female pickpockets operating at the nearby tram stop, Musee des Confluences.
A young woman tells you the tram is no longer accepting payment by bankcard tap, then shows you how to purchase a ticket. She says you must insert your card in the machine and use your PIN.
Then once on the tram her accomplices surround you and try to take your wallet, now that they've seen your PIN.
Please keep alert, and don't listen to helpful young women near the museum.
Museum of Illusions Lyon
| Address | Grand Hôtel Dieu, 1 Rue Bellecordière, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 85 91 39 |
This is definitely geared more towards movies made prior to 2000s. If you bring children unfamiliar with movies from this era, they will not enjoy the museum much. My favorite rooms were Beetlejuice and Alien. The miniatures were also brilliant.
So... I like this kind of thing anyway, but I leave my review based on my experience.
I chose to walk to the Musée de I'llusion myself, but it is easy to get there on public transport.
There was no wait to get in.
The staff there understood my limited French very well, and also grasped limited English, so we got along just fine 🙂 They will take pictures of you if you ask, and you can also take pictures of things yourself.
Alongside each illusion is an explanation of what it is, given in both English and French. Great for those learning French or with limited French 😃 Take pictures of the explanations and use them to better your French 🇫🇷
The main area of the museum is on the first floor, with a smaller area on the ground floor.
Plenty of interesting illusions to see, a wall-to-wall 'mirror room' to see yourself from every angle, and a mirrored meeting desk to meet with five reflections of yourself: all in agreement! There is also a 'vortex' corridor to walk through: steady on your feet, now!
All-in-all, well worth a visit if you like this kind of thing 👍 And I do 😃
Have been to something similar in a different country so knew roughly what to expect, however I’d say this venue is a bit small. The staff were very friendly and helpful, everyone we interacted with knew more English than we knew French.
There are some fun photo opportunities and a little bit of interesting science but don’t expect to be here for a huge amount of time. Also we found as a family of three that it was cheaper to buy a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children than to buy separate tickets for 2 adults and 1 child.
If the museum was a little bigger or the price a bit cheaper I’d have rated this 5 stars.
An interesting and fun set of exhibits with very friendly staff.
Good for kids and good value for money.
Not at the level of my expectations but a good experience
A small museum in the city center
The price is a bit high but a good options for memories and photos
Don't go alone ! You will need a friend to take photos 😁
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
| Address | 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 38 49 30 |
LUGDUNUM - Musée & Théâtres romains turns Lyon’s Roman hillside into a layered reading of name, site, objects, and architecture. “Lugdunum” combines a Gaulish divine name, usually linked with Lugus, and dūnon, a Celtic term for a fortified height; it remained the formal Latin name for centuries before medieval “Lyon” took over. The museum itself was long imagined before Bernard Zehrfuss was commissioned in 1966. Built into Fourvière’s slope and opened in 1975, it keeps the theatre and odeon visually dominant while using raw concrete, a broad spiral ramp, and deep daylight shafts to reconnect the collections with the ruins outside. Beyond the auditoria, roads, cisterns, shop units, hypocaust remains, and reclassified structures show a Roman quarter that was practical, commercial, and complex.
This marvelously laid out museum brings the Roman Theatre site to life for visitors. Though the museum is remarkably unattractive from the outside, the interior design is ingenious and quite inviting to the visitor. Great explanatory signage is provided, and there is enough space to properly exhibit the huge number of sometimes massive objects. Cudos to the designers and curators of this museum!
The museum has a nice selection of artifacts. They also are one of the few places that offer seniors free admission. Admission was 7 euros for adults. You start at the top and work your way down chronologically experiencing the artifacts and history of the city. I recommend you store items on the lockers at the entrance. You can return by elevator once you reach the bottom of the museum.
Excellent exhibition in a fabulous building, built into the hillside. Visitors flow easily, gradually downward. (Even if you’re not interested in the subject matter, the building design is worth seeing!) Many, but not all, signs provide English as well as French. Two large windows overlook the theatre ruins outside. There are even some comfortable chairs to rest in along the way. There are some interactive displays and a children’s area. It’s the museum’s 50th anniversary. A very well done museum.
This museum was simply the best surprise of our stay in Lyon. The curating and organization were well done, and the way each piece is displayed is incredible. We loved the experience the museum offered!
Musée Lumière
| Address | 25 Rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
This is our first time visiting France and are having a wonderful time. I was not as interested as others visiting the art galleries and discovered this museum through research and found it interesting. It is a historic look at the Lumiere family, key contributors to film photography industry. It was a learning experience that as very entertaining. We loved the interaction displays and the exhibits of cameras as they were invented in the late 1800's. I am recommending this museum to a few friends of mine back in Canada as they collect and are interested in this kind of history.
It was a wonderful visit!
Amazing experience! I highly recommend it if you are interesting in Movie History! I was impressed by the interactive section of the old cinematic instruments that can be seen below! I adored the building and the court! Friendly staff and beautiful facts about Lumière brothers! I think it's quite worthy to visit it! Why not, let yourself discover nlsomething new and different! Thank you kindly!
We loved visiting the Lumière Museum. While it's relatively small, there's actually quite a bit to take in. I would highly recommend the free audio guide. We used the English version, and it added so much context to what we were seeing, making the experience far more interesting and in-depth.
We didn't really know much about the Lumière family beforehand, so it was fascinating to learn about their work, including how early photographs and films were created, produced, and marketed. It was also really cool to watch the old footage, especially the comedic films and the very early special effects they created by stopping the camera and restarting it. Seeing scenes like someone apparently (and comedically) being hit by a car, only to be replaced with a dummy last minute after stopping the frame which looked super fake compared to days standards lol... or people having snowball fights more than 100 years ago was surprisingly interesting.
One of my favorite exhibits was a stop-motion display with a large rotating disc covered in clay-like figures. You press a button, the disc spins, and under a strobe light the figures appear to come to life in a continuous loop. It was such a clever demonstration of early animation principles.
As a professional film maker, this was like a visit to Mecca. Learning about the early years of the Lumiere family and their inventions, seeing the wide variety of their devices, and finding out about their philanthropy was something we didn't learn about in film school. Being able to see some of their early films again was an added bonus. The museum is housed in the gorgeous art nouveau Lumiere family home. A nice cafe is helpful as the museum is in an area with few services. The Billy Wilder exhibit was interesting, consisting mostly of French film reviews and movie posters.
A museum that can be seen quickly, but that presents us with an interesting perspective on the origins of cinema - in the home of the Lumière family. It is a good plan for those who visit Lyon.
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
| Address | 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 1:30 – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Amazingly impressed by their cinema colelctikn as well as the miniatures! I was so thrilled to see them! So cute and also the presence of the objects, costumes or machines utilized in different movies makes the experience quite lively and vivid! Great location, nice staff and indeed, it feels a bit too small for the price they ask for, that is the reason why I am giving 4 stars. All in all, a great experience that I recommend it!!
Surprisingly wonderful stop!
Thought expensive for a little museum and didn’t think much of it…but what a delight! A respite from the heat, but the floor of miniatures is incredible. If you’re into films and filmmaking, the other floors are also wonderful with real assets from some of your favorite films.
It's an old building of around 4 floors converted into a museum. If you are born in the 70s or 80s you know the famous Hollywood movies of those times heavily depended on miniatures and mechanics special effects rather than CGI. You get a glimpse of those. The whole museum is divided into 9 sections with different themes from different cinemas, the star wars, aliens, creature features, horror, action etc you can easily spend 1 or 2 hours there. And many more miniature creations by famous people who worked in the Hollywood and French cinemas are presented there. You can walk up the steps or those who has issue can use elevator.
But i think the price can be reduced a bit, but not complaining.
Such a unique and unexpected museum to run into. Located in the Vieux Lyon area, this museum has a unique collection of original artifacts used in movie sets across the Western World. We saw the original helmet of the Mandalorian, the original mask of Darth Vader and much much more. Check out the miniature sets and make sure you take time looking at each one of them. A definite must do if you are in Lyon and want to check out something different!
Honestly one of the most interesting museums that I have visited recently. Very fun and exciting to see original props/sets/costumes of famous movies/actor/actresses. Definitely recommended no matter who you are, if you enjoy watching movies in general then you will enjoy this museum!
Musée d'art contemporain de Lyon
| Address | Cité Internationale, 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 69 17 17 |
Interrsting museums but it all depends on the exhibitions you get! I only like one out of 3. One eas with videos and I am not quite patient to watch it on an old TV as none of the videos were appealing at first. Another one was quite intriguing but not pleasing visuelle with pictures using blue as a cold tone. Another one was quite playful with the nice artist Jean-Claude Guillaumon, that was quite original in his pieces of art! You can always give it a try. You may like it or feel it it was too short in case you are seqlective towards thr exhibtions they have! Friendly staff and nice organisations of the collections!
Great space with large galleries displaying a variety of installations and contemporary art. They have a restaurant/cafe and a good size gift shop. Plan on spending about 1.5 hours wandering around the exhibits. I purchased my entrance ticket upon arrival and there was no line to enter.
We really enjoyed the Nature & Technology exhibition that they have going on in June. The first floor was incredible especially during the weekday when you can take your time to wander through and absorb each exhibit in the way it was intended.
Spent a very happy Saturday afternoon here after a work conference. The work is engaging, and passionately curated and presented. Some of it is cool, some funny, some weird.. just what you want from a modern art gallery. Many people have said it's small, but I didn't find this at all there lots to see, but not so much that you can't do it all in a couple of hours. A great experience thank you!
The museum on its own is quite nice.
However, the curator's complacency is disastrous. The only single task of not ruining the impression from the art pieces is masterfully failed by provincial pretentiousness of the descriptions written by the curators.
If you ever visit this museum you can, in fact, do it two times: first just enjoy the artworks and the second time just enjoy the overwhelming ego of the ones who organized it.
Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
| Address | 14 Av. Berthelot, 69007 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 73 99 00 |
Worth a visit. Nicely organised museum that tells the resistance stories in versatile ways. The audio guide is helpful for english speaking (listening) visitors. However, I wished more information on accomplishments and setbacks of the resistance. The presented story was pretty formal.
It is an okay museum for people interested in WW2. I wasn't specifically impressed by this museum, and also it is quite small. It can have quite innovative and challenging topics to offer in both temporary and permanent exhibition. Give it a try, you may like it, although I have to say it is NOT the best interactive and immersive history museum I have ever been!
Very interesting museum about the resistance in Lyon during WW2. Housed in the building that the Gestapo used as a headquarters during the war. Hand held English audio device can be rented for 1 Euro. Totally worth it. Would highly recommend!
Two floors for the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the latter currently being about children’s toys and games during the war years, including two interesting black-and-white films.
Signage throughout is unilingual French, but a comprehensive binder in English and some other languages is available to borrow.
A 40-minute film shows witnesses testifying at the trial of Klaus Barbie, head of the Gestapo in Lyon.
The permanent exhibition - about the Resistance and deportations - contains many personal stories, and you could easily spend a few hours here.
A necessary place , especially for young people, to remember the story and keep in our memory their fight and dignity. The museum is very interesting. I would ask a better maintenance of audios and videos. It is a humble museum but essential nowadays in France and everywhere.
La Sucrière
| Address | 49 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 27 82 69 40 |
Visited for a temporary Titanic exhibition and experience, easily accessible and well-organized. I can't wait to see the upcoming events!
Nice exposition with the Japan theme, the price of the ticket is a bit expensive which costs 18.9 euros, but you can get the lyon city card instead, it's better. The staff are kind. At the end you can play games or purchase some souvenirs from their store, I recommend
Amazing club, loved the place, the outside dancing area is really cool in the summer and the special room on the roof is awesome in hot weather, definitely will come back to party 🎉
Such a great experience! The guide was very friendly and answered all of our questions. The space is a bit noisy, but that’s only natural considering there’s a lot of groups and children visiting as well! Everything was great, thank you.
Came here for the Mccury’s exhibit that was actually pretty good.
A bit pricey though. Like the movies that was showed to get a better understanding about the photographer’s life and work.
McCurry’s art is pretty good but I did not like the fact that he explained that his only motivation is to make money.
He is not a generous man in the end so I won’t go to any of his exhibit in the future. Have and have not explaination shows he is heartless.
Museum Jean Couty
| Address | 1 Pl. Henri Barbusse, 69009 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 42 20 00 |
It was okayish. I wouldn't have visited if it wasn't for my city card. The exhibition can feel quite short if you don't attend the video at the end. And the painting don't look quite appealing to me. The way the artists painted on canvases with excessive ink can feel brutal. And sometimes the tone of the color looks depressing! Clearly, there are some art galleries where Lyon is represented in a brighter and more fashionable way. There is a huge need of being more positive and focusing on the good aspects of life and of a city! Nice personnel !
I had a wonderful visit at the Musée Jean Couty this weekend. The exhibitions were inspiring, and the atmosphere very welcoming. A special thanks to Edona at the reception for her kindness and professionalism, she made the experience even more enjoyable!
Well set up Museum, with many paintings from a single artist (Jean Couty). He uses mostly oil on canvas with a technique called "au couteau". Influenced by his architectural studies, he paints many things regarding that topic. As well, you have images of his travels. It is a small museum with not many things, and it costs around 4 euros.
Can't acces site because I'm from Romania??? 🤢
Only on the artist Jean Couty
Musée des arts de la marionnette - Gadagne
| Address | 1 Pl. du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 42 03 61 |
Nice museum to visit for an hour or so, with more than puppets to see. My favorite part was seeing several puppets from the 1800s still preserved and an interactive display of how puppets move. The building was air conditioned, so it was a relief to be indoors during the heat wave, for a period of time. Recommended especially for families with children as many other displays are interactive.
I felt like such a kid in this museum! It was lots of fun to see the oldest puppets in the museum all the way up to much more current and contemporary puppets. I enjoyed watching the children in the museum interact with the puppets. There are several marionettes that you can try out – – this is the best part of the museum for me. Maybe I have found a new passion? Manipulating The Mary Onettes is challenging and a whole lot of fun. Don’t miss this museum!
The people here are lovely, but the quality of the exhibit made me giggle. 8x10 paper posted to the walls for descriptions, 20 yr old toys (Toy Story) in display cases and a very difficult to navigate (but cute) building. Spend your time looking at all the other beautiful sites of Lyon… this isn’t your spot if you’re looking to see beautiful marionettes or pictures/relics from Lyon’s past (aside from the silk looms…those are cool).
Magical! Simply magical! The art work on the dolls and puppets, mixed in with the history of everything, it's quite a unique experience. You get a lot for what you pay, great value for money. The staff are lovely and informative, and you may get to see a show - if you are lucky! It's definitely one of those undiscovered treasures of Lyon. We went in 2017 and can't wait to go again when we visit from Australia. Thank you for a great time!
Very nice museum with a very wide variety of marionnette. Good explanations and film examples.
Very friendly staff.
Cité Musée Tony Garnier
| Address | 4 Rue des Serpollières, 69008 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM Friday: 2:00 – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 78 75 16 75 |
I hope one day they add a directional walking guide on the pavement, as it is not always obvious which way to go.
This area is dangerous. We were walking around seeing the murals at 5PM in daylight and we were approached by 3 young men who stole my gold chain and also sprayed pepper spray into my eyes
Great museum. Recommend for visiting.
Nice wall paintings
Great place, however the curators should consider making an English version of the temporary exhibit a must, as there are lots of international tourism in Lyon
Musée l'Organe - La Demeure du Chaos
| Address | 17 Rue de la République, 69270 Saint-Romain-au-Mont-d'Or |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 6:30 – 7:00 AM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 78 22 35 24 |
Outstanding. I went as a journalist but they're no traditionally open on a regular schedule. I emailed them in advance. They said that they have a couple of days of year when they open to the public so check in advance.
I loved this place! Very rich in symbolism and text to make you deeply reflect on the society we life in. Absolutely astonishing!
It was an amazing experience. Would definitely recommend to come with an open mind. It has pieces I've never seen in a museum before. Overall, a unique experience you can't miss.
The website is very misleading. It says although the museum is closed, the outdoor exhibit are still available to explore. Not true at all. Please confirm and reserve to avoid disappointment.
For those like me that convinced ourselves that the website said outdoor exhibit can be visited even the museum is close, don't believe it. There are lots of reviews complaining about the opening and visit time then just to discover that it is closed (the gate) when they arrive.
Heed those reviews on opening times.
Nice but pity that it can be visited just few days per year...
La Maison des Canuts
| Address | 10 Rue d'Ivry, 69004 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 78 28 62 04 |
La Maison des Canuts was created in 1970 by Cooptiss, a cooperative of silk weavers founded a decade earlier in Croix-Rousse, to give Lyon’s weaving knowledge a public home. Set inside a nineteenth-century immeuble-atelier on rue d’Ivry, it traces silk through the tools, mechanisms, and skilled hands that sustained the trade. The rooms follow the technical path from earlier loom systems to Jacquard and later adaptations, turning finished cloth back into process, sequence, and human skill. Demonstrations make that purpose clear: this is a place built to show how silk was made and why that knowledge mattered to the quarter. In Croix-Rousse, where production and domestic life once shared the same buildings, the Maison keeps the memory of the canuts tied to its proper setting.
We paid for the €10 tour of the weaving workshop and it was such a fantastic experience. Our tour guide (Emeline) was excellent - so knowledgeable and made the whole experience interactive. She also took the time to explain things in English for us. We highly recommend the guided tour of the weaving workshop.
A must-see museum when you're in Lyon. You have to able to read French since no audio guides available. Only a small booklet in English presented to me at the reception. Still it's fascinating to see the old machines once used to make these exquisite fabric. There's a small gift shop adjacent to the museum.
A tiny museum about the history of textiles and weaving. Well, they have quite long history of it if you are into this kind of stuff. It is interesting though. There are displays of old weaving machines and some fabric. There is a small fee of 3€ to enter.
Not worth the trek to a dull part of town. The loom is interesting but only if you're already in the area. If you happen to be there at 1130 or 330 the loom demonstration is the best part. Not worth a special trip but neat if your there already. I left feeling that I wasted a large part of my day.
Le Petit Musée de Guignol
| Address | 6 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 37 01 67 |
Fun spot to visit if you are nearby and have 20-30 minutes available. We dropped in as it was free with the Lyon City card, but not sure if I'd make a trip to find it.
Very small museum but interesting to visit. 30 min long if you are making fun pictures for 5 euros. I appreciate the idea to build this place and that we can discover stuff about Guignol in a very easy way. 3 Different language available ( french/ Eng/ Japanese) !
Unfortunately this was not open as was stated on its opening hours (we tried to visit Sunday at 11 am) and the shop keeper was very rude. We were excited to see the museum and learn about guignols.
Adorable museum, an enchanted place. You’ll receive a warm welcome as well. Just careful on the shop, it’s all adorable so you’ll want to buy everything. Near bistros and touristic area the prices of the products are a bit high… Beside the puppets there’s a lot of great souvenirs for tourists and Le Petit Prince products. The museum walk through is included on the City Pass Card (2023) don’t loose the swan lake music box right in the begging of the walk, it’s a beautiful mesmerizing work
Small, claustrophobic, dark, and weird basement of a museum. It is kinda of kitschy and a throwback to the old animatronic days. Could definitely use some upgrades and more space, but it seems like a genuine, work of passion by the owner. Doesn't take much time to pop in there and the price is right so I'd recommend it.
Aquarium of Lyon
| Address | 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 66 65 66 |
Was fine for kids and we still had an okay time, but overall it feels very expensive for what it is. The path/layout can be a bit confusing at first, although most people will probably figure it out eventually. One good point is that many of the exhibits also have English descriptions.
We mainly came to see the axolotl, and that part was oddly handled. After the gift shop, it almost gave the impression that it was not there at all, then outside there was just one lonely axolotl tucked away in a standalone corner tank. Still nice to see it anyway.
Overall, not bad, but definitely overpriced for the size and experience.
Fantastic aquarium with a number of levels. Perfect for small children. The Ocean360 room is amazing with an animated underwater experience. A few small activities (colouring with screen upload, quizzes) also added to the fun. Didn't try thr cafe but plenty of space. Well worth a visit
I've been to the Lyon Aquarium several times, during school holidays and off-season (during the week). It's definitely busier during the holidays. It's difficult to find a parking space, even though the parking lot is quite large. We enjoyed it much more in the off-season. It's less crowded inside and in the parking lot. The aquarium itself is quite small but the kids enjoyed it. There are designated feeding times for the fish in the large tank, which is quite an interesting attraction. I think tickets could be less expensive.
Lovely place with somehow cozy, however, limited, amount of species.
To get the best experience to there on the weekday, when there's less people.
The aquarium was practically empty when I visited which was great, and I enjoyed my visit a lot. All information plaques and talks are in French of course but Google translate had me covered. The problem is that it's pretty small, they recommend 90-120 minutes to get through but that's really only if you have kids and are doing the interactive stuff designed for them like the online quiz. As an adult I could get through it in 30 minutes even stopping to take in everything. Because it was so quiet I did spend a couple of hours there just enjoying the calm and watching the fish, but I'm not sure it's worth nearly €20. Even booking in advance online is still €15 a ticket and that's pushing it a bit. Still it's very clean, there are quite a few benches and the fish seem to be well looked after. I just wish it were bigger and had more variety
Musée d'histoire de Lyon - Gadagne
| Address | 1 Pl. du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 78 42 03 61 |
If you wish to see historical artifacts and descriptions in chronolgical order, in this museum you will be disappointed. This museum tries to present Lyon's history differently. And they do succeed. They tell stories and use themes. For example 'On the wayerfront', 'Industrial Lyon' and 'Activism in the city'. Even the introduction to the Gadagne museum is thrilling; do listen to the stories in the first room.
It'a an interesting museum where you can discover new things about Lyon and puppets as well! I don't know but it was soo spectacular for me to give 5 stars. Alao some puppets were not quite attractive and quite scary. I am not sure if I can tell what should be done: maybe also an immersive story of hoe Lyon evolved? Some more engagent puppet show? All in all, it seems fine, with friendly staff
We stopped at this museum because it is included in your ticket for the marionette museum. They have some interesting displays in both English and French with interactive displays on the top floor about the waterways in Lyon, which are interesting. The museum has multiple floors and is quite interesting. There is a really interesting collection of all the keys. I also really enjoyed the explanation of silk weaving and various outdoor ball games. It’s worth a visit, but there might be other more interesting museums in the city to see.
I was expecting a great museum, depicting the history of Lyon but I was disappointed. The exhibit doesn’t flow very well, there’s really not too many signs as to where to start, there’s only one room with some of the history of Lyon, with very basic information. The other floors have some kind of exhibit which I didn’t find interesting at all, overall, I didn’t learn anything.
I thought it was a waste of time
One ticket gives access to the both museums: puppets and of history.
Puppets museum has absolutely no information in English and generally almost no explanation to the exhibited item.
Only 20% of information provided in the history museum is in English
🤬
No audioguides, no brochures, no online info connected to qr codes - nothing!
You just walk around and try to guess what it is and why it's here. For example, on one of my photos you can see a strange wooden square - no freaking idea what it is as there was no description at all.
Generally, the history museum is one of the poorest I've even seen. Such a shame - not to collect a normal exhibition of a city with more than 2000 years history!
Tips for Visiting Museums in Lyon
Navigating the museum scene in Lyon is generally smooth, but a little local knowledge can elevate your experience from good to unforgettable. Many visitors assume they can just show up, but the city’s rhythm—shaped by lunch breaks, school holidays, and local festivals—can affect your access.
By planning strategically, you can avoid bottlenecks and discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by the casual tourist. Here are a few practical strategies to help you make the most of your cultural itinerary.
1. Time your visit to avoid the lunchtime closure
Unlike many major European cities, Lyon still observes a sacred pause for lunch. While large municipal museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts often stay open, smaller private museums or boutique exhibitions may close between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Always check the specific hours for the day of your visit. Use the lunch window to enjoy a long, leisurely meal at a nearby bouchon, then enter the museum when the crowds thin out in the early afternoon.
2. Leverage the Lyon City Card for transport and access
If you plan to visit three or more museums, the Lyon City Card is almost always worth the investment. It includes free entry to the city’s municipal museums, unlimited public transport, and often fast-track access.
Even if you only visit two museums, the savings on the metro and funicular tickets can justify the cost. It also encourages spontaneity, allowing you to pop into a smaller gallery without worrying about the individual entry fee.
3. Check for “Gratuit” days and evening openings
Many of Lyon’s museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month, though this can attract large crowds. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, look for late-night openings, usually on Thursdays or Fridays.
The Musée des Confluences, for example, often stays open late and offers a completely different atmosphere after dark. These evening slots are perfect for travelers who want to pack their daylight hours with outdoor sightseeing.
4. Don’t underestimate the temporary exhibitions
While the permanent collections are impressive, Lyon’s museums frequently host world-class temporary exhibitions that draw international attention. These shows often require timed entry tickets and sell out weeks in advance.
Before your trip, browse the websites of the major venues to see what is on. A visiting exhibition at the Musée des Tissus or the Musée d’Art Contemporain can sometimes be the highlight of your entire trip.
5. Combine your visit with the surrounding neighborhood
The location of a museum in Lyon is rarely an accident; it is usually tied to the history of the district. Do not treat the museum as an isolated box. After visiting the Musée Gadagne, wander through the traboules of Vieux Lyon.
After the Musée des Confluences, walk to the tip of the peninsula to see the rivers merge. This contextual approach turns a simple museum visit into a deeper understanding of the city’s geography and evolution.
Exploring the museums of Lyon is less about checking boxes and more about peeling back the layers of a city that has been continuously inhabited for over two thousand years. The collections here do not just preserve the past; they actively explain why Lyon looks, feels, and tastes the way it does today. From the silk looms that built the city’s wealth to the film projectors that captured its image, every artifact tells a story of innovation and resilience.
As you plan your itinerary, leave room for serendipity. Some of the best moments happen when you stumble upon a small gallery in the Croix-Rousse or discover a hidden sculpture garden while walking between major sites. Lyon rewards the curious traveler, and its museums are the perfect starting point for a journey that goes far beyond the gallery walls.
