15 Amazing Lyon Museums You’ll Want to Visit

Planning a trip to Lyon? There are plenty of great Lyon museums to suit any interest.

Whether you’re interested in art, science or history — or even puppetry! — there’s a museum that you’re sure to love. Plus, it’s a great way to spend a rainy day in Lyon.

Wondering what are the best museums in Lyon? I went on a museum spree on my recent visit to Lyon, and I’ve got information on all of Lyon’s top museums right here for you!

Lace up your shoes and let’s go check out some museums!

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Psst!  Get free entry to over 20 amazing Lyon museums, plus free tours and free public transportation when you buy a Lyon City Card!

15 Best Lyon France Museums

1. Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences in Lyon combines natural history, anthropology and cultures into one fascinating experience.

The Musée des Confluences is one of the most popular museums in Lyon, and it’s definitely the one with the most unique architecture! The dramatic modern structure sits at the tip of Presqu’île, where the Rhône meets the Saône.

The Lyon Confluence Museum features an impressive variety of exhibitions, with nearly 3.5 million artifacts in the collections. Topics range from the natural sciences to human sciences, as well as science and technology.

Whether you’re interested in fossils, minerals, or Egyptology, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Most of the signage is translated into English, so you can understand the exhibits even if you don’t speak French.

While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the amazing views of Lyon from the top floor of the museum or stop for a bite to eat in the cafe!

(Location: Presqu’île. Closed Mondays)

2. Musée des Beaux Arts de Lyon

The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is one of the largest and most important France art museums. It sits adjacent to Lyon’s Hotel de Ville, on the Place des Terreaux.

The museum, housed in a former Benedictine convent dating from the 17th century, contains works of art spanning from ancient times to the present day.

The museum showcases a wide variety of fine arts, from paintings to sculpture, and also has an extensive collection of coins and medals.

Learn more about the Musée des Beaux Arts in this post!

My favorite paintings were those by the Impressionists, as I love the play of light and color on the canvas. The Lyon Museum of Fine Arts has lovely works by Degas, Monet, and Pissarro that I enjoyed.

The museum has a large sculpture collection as well. Part of the collection is located in the courtyard in the center of the museum.

The courtyard is the former abbey’s cloister and is now a lovely garden (it’s free to enter the garden). Sharing a quiet moment with your sweetie here is one of the most romantic things to do in Lyon!

The larger collection of classical sculptures is located downstairs, with others sprinkled throughout the museum’s rooms, including The Kiss by Rodin.

(Love Rodin? Don’t miss the Rodin Museum, one of the top attractions in Paris and one of its best museums. The sculpture garden is my favorite.)

As you head downstairs, you’ll pass by sculptures representing the Rhône and Saône (the Rhône River is considered male and the Saône is considered female).

The Lyon Fine Arts Museum is the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon browsing the collections and learning about art history. Fantastic museums are another reason that Lyon is worth a visit!

(Location: Presqu’île. Closed Tuesdays)

3. Musée Cinéma et Miniature

The Musée Cinéma et Miniature is a unique two-for-one museum in Lyon, France. It is absolutely a must-visit location for both aficionados of the silver screen, and those who love highly detailed miniature models.

The Lyon Cinema and Miniatures Museum houses hundreds of authentic items related to cinema – from costumes worn by iconic actors, to props used in famous films. They’ve got props from 30 Hollywood studios as well as 10 European studios.

Whether you want to see the Alien queen, the hoverboard from Back to the Future, or props from Pirates of the Caribbean, this museum has you covered!

The top floor of the museum is dedicated to the incredible world of miniature models, created by skilled craftsman Dan Ohlmann.

Admire the attention to detail of each of the sets (over 120 tiny scenes!), from restaurants to hotel lobbies to libraries. Take a moment to appreciate the teeny tiny books and the fruits and vegetables created in 1/12th scale!

The Musée Cinéma et Miniature is a great destination for film buffs of all ages and is popular for the entire family. This museum is one of the most popular Lyon attractions.

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Open Daily)

4. LUGDUNUM – Musée & Théâtres Romains

Interested in learning about Lyon’s ancient history? You’ll definitely want to visit the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon Fourvière.

LUGDUNUM – Musée & Théâtres Romains showcases the remains of the Roman town founded in 43 BC on Fourvière Hill. This Roman history is a big reason why Lyon is honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Lugdunum was the Roman name for the city of Lyon; and over the centuries this morphed into the name ‘Lyon’ which we use today.

The museum has an interesting design. You enter at the top and then descend your way through the oval spirals of the museum. You’ll find a variety of artifacts from this time period on display, from statues to intricate mosaics.

From large windows in the museum, you can see the remains of the ancient theatre. After your visit, be sure to take some time to explore the ancient amphitheater and the smaller nearby Odeon.

(And if you’re visiting Lyon in June and July, this is when the festival of Les Nuits de Fourvière takes place. Concerts are held here in the Roman amphitheater, as well as in other locations all around the city.)

The museum offers a unique experience with various interactive displays and multimedia exhibits to help you understand the history of Lyon during Roman times.

It’s very kid friendly with plenty of exhibits aimed at helping the young to connect with life in the era of the Romans, like this one:

LUGDUNUM – Musée & Théâtres Romains is the perfect place to learn about Lyon’s past and get a glimpse of what life was like in ancient times.

Lyon is just one of the many places in France where you can see evidence of the Roman Empire. Nîmes has well-preserved amphitheater and temple, and some of the best things to see in Arles are its Roman ruins.

(Location: Vieux Lyon/ Fourvière Hill. Closed Mondays)

5. Musée d’art contemporain de Lyon

Lyon’s Museum of Contemporary Art (macLYON) is a great place to check out the latest art trends.

The museum promotes and exhibits contemporary works of art from around the world.

You’ll be intrigued by the unique evolving artwork Le Temps d’une oeuvre —the art installation changes every day as two of the colored plexiglass plates are removed. And as the angle of the sun changes, the interplay of colors changes throughout the day.

There’s also an entire floor of the museum dedicated to a piece of art entitled Roller Coaster! And be sure to check out the external art installations, including a piece by Yoko Ono.

For anyone interested in modern art and its various forms, this museum is an absolute must-see. If you’re curious, you can check out their web site to take a 360° virtual tour of past exhibitions!

(Location: On the Rhône, next to the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

6. Musée des Arts de la Marionnette

The Musée des Arts de la Marionnette (Museum of Puppet Arts) is a fun place to visit in Lyon.

This whimsical puppetry museum takes you on a journey through the history of puppetry, learning about puppets from different cultures and the varied roles they play.

You’ll find over 300 puppets, costumes, and sets on display, and Guignol (Lyon’s famous puppet) is the center of attention.

The museum also has a few interactive displays where you can create your own puppet show (these are especially fun for kids).

The Lyon puppet museum is a great place for the young (and the young at heart) to exercise their creativity.

The Lyon Marionette Museum is one of two museums making up the Musée Gadagne, a beautiful Renaissance building and Lyon historical monument. You can stop and smell the roses in the hanging gardens of Gadagne, and access to the garden is free!

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

7. Musée d’Histoire de Lyon

The Musée d’Histoire de Lyon (Lyon History Museum) is a great place to gain an understanding of the city’s long and fascinating history. It’s the second museum making up the Musée Gadagne.

This Lyon History Museum covers the entire development of the city from its prehistoric roots to the present day. Its exhibits, photographs, paintings, sculpture, and more tell the story of Lyon and its inhabitants.

At the museum, you’ll learn about how Lyon became an important industrial hub in the 19th century with its famous silk industry.

Permanent exhibits include ‘Portraits of Lyon’, ‘On the Waterfront. Living with the Rhône and Saône’, and ‘What are you Doing? Industrial and Working Class Lyon’. They’ve been rolling out a new permanent exhibit each year to expand the museum.

The History Museum of Lyon also offers unique tours of the old city center and its numerous monuments. Download audio content to learn more about the city as you explore on your walking tour.

Tip: Be sure to take a look at the large Charvet clock outside the entrance to the Musée Gadagne and watch the activity of ‘L’Horloge aux Guignols‘. The figures in the clock are famous puppets Harlequin, Polichinelle, Guignol and Gnafron.

Our tour guide told us that the mechanism on this clock had been cut long ago. When the clockmaker went to fix it many years later, no-one could remember the song it played. So, it was set to the same tune played by Big Ben.

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

8. Musée de l’illusion Lyon

If you’re looking for something a bit different in Lyon, the Musée de l’illusion LYON (Lyon Museum of Illusions) is an amazing place to visit.

This mind-boggling Illusions Museum presents illusions and games that make you think differently about the world around you. You won’t believe your eyes as you explore the interactive exhibits featuring holograms, kaleidoscopes, visual puzzles, and optical illusions.

The Museum of Illusions is a great place to explore and discover, and it’s sure to entertain the whole family.

Be sure to bring your camera to capture the illusions, for a unique souvenir of your visit to Lyon! Photography is not only allowed but encouraged to make the most of your visit.

Tip: If you love your visit to the Lyon Illusions Museum, you’ll want to visit their Illusion Museums in Paris and in Marseille.

(Location: Presqu’île. Open Daily.)

9. La Maison des Canuts

The Maison des Canuts (House of the Silk Weavers) is a must-see for its insight into Lyon’s historical past.

It is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Lyon’s silk industry, which was an important part of the city’s industrial heritage in the 19th century.

The Maison des Canuts features exhibits that bring the history of Lyon’s textile industry alive. Learn about the tools of the silk-making industry, and the steps in the silk-making process.

It also has an exhibit on the Jacquard loom, a revolutionary weaving machine that was invented in Lyon and changed the face of the silk industry.

(If you’re visiting at the right time, you can take a guided tour with a weaving demonstration, or a tour of the traboules of the Croix-Rousse.)

This museum is also a great place to find unique souvenirs. You’ll find lovely silk scarves and squares, as well as other original items crafted by Lyon artisans.

And, while you’re in Croix-Rousse, you should definitely take a small detour to see the fabulous Lyon mural, Le Mur des Canuts!

(Location: Croix Rousse. Closed Sundays and Mondays)

10. Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs

The Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs (Textile and Decorative Arts Museum) is a lesser-known gem in Lyon.

This museum has collections of fabrics, carpets, tapestries, lace, porcelain, and more from all around the world. See textiles from the Middle Ages to present day, as well as beautiful decorative objets d’art.

Admire lavish silks belonging to Marie Antoinette and elaborately embroidered fabrics.

The exhibitions at this museum also focus on Lyon’s history in textiles, from its silk industry to its fashion designers and artisans. You’ll find plenty of information about the various weaving techniques used over the centuries.

This is a must-see museum for anyone interested in fabrics and design!

(Location: Presqu’île. Note: this museum is temporarily closed)

11. Le Petit Musée de Guignol

If you’re looking for a light-hearted activity to do with the kids, why not take a quick visit to Le Petit Musée de Guignol?

This tiny museum is dedicated to Lyon’s beloved puppet character, Guignol. Guignol was brought to life in 1808 by Laurent Mourguet and has been delighting audiences ever since.

The Guignol Museum’s 19th century setting offers an interesting look into the past, and a chance to learn about the history of this traditional puppet show.

Discover how Guignol evolved over the years and enjoy a show with some classic puppet characters like Polichinelle, Gnafron, and of course Guignol!

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Open Daily. Note the museum closes midday for lunch, so check first!)

12. Musée Lumière

The Musée Lumière is an inspiring museum and historic site devoted to the birth of cinematography.

(Fun France Fact: Cinematography is one of many French inventions. The French also invented camouflage and the hot-air balloon!)

Fittingly, it is located at the site of the Lumière factory and former home of brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière.

These pioneering brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895 – a revolution in film-making technology. At the Lumiere Museum, you’ll find original equipment and a wide range of exhibits on cinematography.

Your visit is enhanced by multi-media devices and an audio guide. (If you don’t speak French, be sure to an audio guide so that you can understand the contents of the exhibits.)

Be sure to check out the film about the Lumière brothers, and don’t miss the lovely Winter Garden. The Institut Lumière holds screenings of classic films.

A visit to the Musée Lumière is a must for anyone who has a love of filmmaking or photography!

(Location: Monplaisir. Open Tuesdays-Sundays.)

13. Musée de l’imprimerie

Lyon’s Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication is a fascinating museum, looking at the history of printing and graphic communication.

The museum is housed in a 15th century mansion with a charming inner courtyard.

This museum showcases the development of printing technology from its earliest forms to modern day digital techniques. You’ll find an interesting array of equipment, tools and documents that give a great insight into the development of printing.

Lyon’s printing museum also looks at graphic communication in the form of typography, posters, book illustration and design.

Learn about the techniques which allowed the widespread use of images and color in printing (and led to the rise of the ‘advertisement’).

This is a fantastic chance to see the evolution of communication through print – from books to newspapers and advertising. Bonus: most of the exhibit explanations are listed in both French and English.

(Location: Presqu’île. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

14. Musée de l’automobile Henri Malartre

For car enthusiasts, a visit to the Henri Malartre Automobile Museum is a must! This museum houses an impressive collection of over 100 vintage and classic cars.

The museum is located 11 kilometers north of Lyon, near the east bank of the Saône. (If you don’t have a car, you can get pretty close via public transit.) The setting is an impressive castle and its grounds.

You’ll see everything from early 20th century automobiles to offbeat ‘specials’, racing cars, prototypes and experimental models.

Get an up-close look at 100 unique vehicles ranging from Hitler’s parade Mercedes to one of the cars used in the first funicular of Fourvière. The museum’s collection also includes many vehicles manufactured in the Lyon area.

This museum is a great place for car buffs of all ages!

(Location: 11km north of Lyon. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

15. Resistance and Deportation History Center (CHRD)

The Resistance and Deportation History Center is a museum dedicated to educating visitors about the WWII history of Lyon. It’s located in the building that served as Gestapo headquarters during WWII.

Learn about how the people of Lyon resisted Nazi occupation during World War II and hear stories from those who lived through it.

Read testimony, see photographs, watch videos, and explore exhibits that help illustrate what life was like for Lyon during the war.

These personal historical perspectives were the most interesting to me.

The Center also discusses the deportation of many people from France to concentration camps.

As one might expect based on the name of the museum, a visit here is a sobering experience. This museum serves as an important reminder of a difficult chapter in French history, and it is a place to honor those who were affected by it.

(Location: Near the eastern bank of the Rhône. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)

Map of Top Lyon Museums

Need a little help figuring out where these museums are located? Here’s a Lyon museum map to help get you oriented.

The Lyon City Card

If you’re like me, you (A) love visiting museums when you travel, and (B) hate driving in a foreign country. If so, then you’ll definitely want to get the Lyon City Card!

The Lyon City Card is an incredible value, and I have gotten one each time I visited Lyon. The cards come in different durations (I chose the 3-day pass, but you can also get one for 24 hours in Lyon if you’re taking a day trip).

For more information, check out my in-depth review of the Lyon City Card

Once you first use the card, the clock starts on your card. The card gives you unlimited use of all of Lyon’s public transportation, free access to over 20 top Lyon museums, and discounted access to additional museums and attractions.

In fact, of the 15 museums on my list, all but one of them are free with the Lyon City Card! The only one that’s not included is the Illusion Museum, and the city card goes give you a discount for that one as well.

Plus, you can get free tours with the card as well. On my last trip I took advantage of a free rooftop tour of the Notre Dame Basilica, a free walking tour of traboules in Vieux Lyon, and a free Saône river cruise. I love a great deal, and this is a great way to save money in France!

Final thoughts..

Lyon is a city with an incredible history and culture, and its museums are the perfect way to explore both.

But you’re going to want to explore more of Lyon during your stay! Check out these posts for ideas on all the best things to do in Lyon, or how to pick the best food tour in Lyon!

• Best Things to Do in Lyon, France
• Musee des Beaux-Arts
• Best Lyon Food Tours: A Food-Lover’s Delight!
• Romantic Things to Do in Lyon for Couples
• Things to Do in Vieux Lyon
• The Best One Day in Lyon Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon, and love visiting museums, this post is for you! Save it for later so you can plan to see all the best museums in Lyon!