Musée des Confluences
A futuristic architectural marvel housing captivating anthropology and natural history exhibits, offering a unique journey of discovery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Musée des Confluences
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A futuristic architectural marvel housing captivating anthropology and natural history exhibits, offering a unique journey of discovery.
"This might be one of the best modern museums I went to, really!"
Student Discount Available
Students often get free entry! Always carry your ID to avail of potential discounts. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Modern Architecture
Exterior and Interior
A futuristic, cloud-like structure that's as much an attraction as the exhibits within. Don't miss the views from the top.
Anthropology & Natural History Exhibits
Permanent Collections
Explore diverse displays on origins, species, societies, and the eternal. Informative and engaging for all ages.
The Amazon Exhibition
Temporary Exhibition Space
An immersive journey into the vibrant biodiversity and cultures of the Amazon rainforest. Visually captivating.
Terrace Cafe Views
Top Floor Terrace
Enjoy a coffee or snack with panoramic views of Lyon. A perfect spot to relax and soak in the city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I will be visiting Lyon tomorrow for a day, what are the places I need to visit?
Student Discount Available
Students often get free entry! Always carry your ID to avail of potential discounts. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
Less than a day in Lyon, what is an absolute must do?
Check Exhibition Schedules
Temporary exhibitions are highly recommended and included in the ticket price. Plan around them! :calendar:
Utilize On-site Guides
Guides offer great insights into exhibits and can answer questions in English. :speaking_head:
Tips
from all over the internet
Student Discount Available
Students often get free entry! Always carry your ID to avail of potential discounts. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast collections. :athletic_shoe:
Check Exhibition Schedules
Temporary exhibitions are highly recommended and included in the ticket price. Plan around them! :calendar:
Utilize On-site Guides
Guides offer great insights into exhibits and can answer questions in English. :speaking_head:
Don't Skip the Top Floor
The terrace cafe offers fantastic city views, even if you don't buy anything. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Musée des Confluences is widely praised for its stunning, futuristic architecture and its diverse, informative exhibitions on anthropology and natural history. Visitors appreciate the bilingual displays and the engaging nature of both permanent and temporary collections, making it a must-see in Lyon. Some find the cafe a bit pricey, and a few expected more art-focused content, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"This is a very well done Natural History Museum. Pe visited when there was a special exhibition on sleep and dreams which was very interesting. The Architecture is stunning how many interior is delightful. Don't forget to go to the top floor and have a cafe. Underground floor is you exit there is a high-end restaurant set off by several large pools water."
Joel Dryer
"Many interesting exhibitions inside, awesome building outside. The park area needs a little maintenance and upkeep, but everything else is great! The exhibitions were varied and interesting, I can see myself going back whenever new ones open up. I did expect a little more when it came to anthropological exhibitions. But maybe I missed that part, couldn't finish the whole thing in one afternoon."
Ilka Marra
"This might be one of the best modern museums I went to, really! It's very complete and I think kids would love it- there were a lot of enthusiastic ones when we went, at least.
Their permanent expositions are very well detailed and easy to navigate, they're mostly about natural history, anthropology and culture, not much art history, or at least I didn't find one. Everything has french and english explications. On the entrance to each permanent exposition, there was a guide who would give a general feel of the pieces, and they could speak English too!
Their temporary expositions were interesting and very well done, we went to the Amazon and the dreams ones, both very interesting. We didn't have to pay extra for these.
They had elevators for all stages, and there were a lot of audio explanations too.
On the terrace there was a lovely - albeit a bit expensive - cafe, with nice views. If you're not hungry, the terrace is included on the ticket price anyway, so you should go at least for the view.
A must see in Lyon, for sure!"
Erika Lisa Horiuchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible by public transport. You can take Tram T1 to the 'Musée des Confluences' stop, or bus lines C5 and C13. It's also a pleasant walk from the Lyon-Perrache train station. :bus: :tram:
Yes, there is underground parking available at the museum, though it can be pricey. Consider public transport to save money and hassle. :car:
It's a bit of a walk, approximately 30-40 minutes along the Rhône river. It's a scenic route if you have the time and energy. :walking:
Absolutely! There are bike paths along the river, and the museum has bike racks available. It's a great way to arrive and enjoy the surroundings. :bike:
From Lyon Part-Dieu, take Tram T1 directly towards 'Perrache' and alight at the 'Musée des Confluences' stop. The journey takes about 20 minutes. :tram:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but temporary exhibitions might have separate fees or be included. Students often receive free entry, so always check the official website for the latest pricing and any special offers. :ticket:
It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially for popular temporary exhibitions, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues. :computer:
The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit. :clock:
Yes, students often enjoy free admission, and there might be other concessions available. Check the museum's official website for details on free entry days or specific group discounts. :moneywithwings:
While the terrace cafe is a paid area, access to the terrace for the views is generally included with your museum ticket. It's a great spot to enjoy the scenery. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features four permanent exhibitions covering origins, species, societies, and the eternal, alongside fascinating temporary exhibitions like the Amazon and dreams ones. The architecture itself is a major draw. :gem:
Absolutely! Many visitors find it very engaging for kids, with interactive elements and visually stimulating displays. It's a great family outing. :child:
Yes, all information is thoughtfully displayed in both French and English, making it accessible to a wider range of visitors. :earth_americas:
Most visitors recommend allocating at least an afternoon, as the museum is quite extensive. You might need more time if you want to see everything in detail. :timer:
Yes, there are guides present at the entrance of permanent exhibitions who can provide general insights and answer questions, often in English. :microphone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on the top floor terrace offering drinks and snacks with lovely views. For more substantial meals, there's also a high-end restaurant located on the underground exit level. :coffee: :forkandknife:
Some visitors note that the cafe can be a bit pricey, but the stunning views often make it worth the experience. :moneywithwings:
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. It's best to enjoy your meals at the designated cafe or restaurant. :nofoodsymbol:
The restaurant on the underground level is described as high-end, suggesting a more sophisticated dining experience. It's set off by large pools of water, adding to the ambiance. :wine_glass:
While specific options aren't detailed, modern cafes and restaurants in Lyon usually offer some vegetarian choices. It's advisable to inquire directly upon arrival. :leafy_green:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the permanent exhibition areas, but it's usually not allowed in temporary exhibitions. Always look for signage indicating restrictions. :camera:
Yes, the striking modern architecture is a major highlight, and you're encouraged to photograph it from both the exterior and interior. :building_construction:
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging exhibits. :noentrysign:
The exterior of the building, the panoramic views from the top floor terrace, and the visually engaging displays within the permanent and temporary exhibitions are all excellent photo opportunities. :star_struck:
Flash photography is usually prohibited inside museums to protect the exhibits from light damage. Always check for specific signage. :zap:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include allocating ample time, as the museum is large. Comfortable shoes are a must for little legs. While there's a cafe, bringing some small snacks for in-between can be helpful. The museum's accessibility, with elevators throughout, also makes it easier to navigate with strollers. The temporary exhibitions are often a big hit with younger audiences too, so check what's on during your visit.
🎓 Students on a Budget
Even if there's a small fee for temporary exhibitions, the overall cost is usually very reasonable compared to other attractions. The museum's location is also convenient, reachable by tram, which is an economical way to get around Lyon. It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon learning and exploring without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel
Inside, the architecture continues to impress with its soaring spaces, dramatic staircases, and open-plan galleries. The structure is designed to guide visitors through a journey of discovery, with each level offering a different perspective. The top floor, in particular, features a terrace with panoramic views of Lyon, making it a popular spot for both reflection and photography. The building itself is a testament to modern design and engineering, contributing significantly to the museum's overall appeal.
Many visitors are struck by the futuristic vibe of the museum's design. The use of materials like glass and metal, combined with the unconventional shapes, creates an otherworldly atmosphere. It's not just a container for exhibits; the architecture is an integral part of the visitor experience, enhancing the themes of exploration and discovery that run through the museum's collections.
Exploring the Collections
Beyond the permanent collections, the museum is celebrated for its engaging temporary exhibitions. These often delve into specific themes with great depth and visual flair. Past exhibitions have covered topics like the Amazon rainforest, the science of sleep and dreams, and the history of the human body. These temporary shows are frequently praised for their innovative presentation and the opportunity to explore new subjects.
Visitors often highlight the variety and depth of the exhibits. While some might expect more art history, the focus remains firmly on scientific and anthropological exploration. The museum employs a range of media, from artifacts and specimens to interactive displays and multimedia presentations, ensuring a dynamic learning experience for all ages.
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