World-class museums housing everything from ancient Roman artifacts to contemporary art and cinema history.
Built into the hillside of Fourvière, this innovative museum showcases Roman Lyon's rich heritage through mosaics, sculptures, and household items. The underground design creates a theatrical experience descending through time. Collections include objects from the 1st-5th centuries AD, illuminating Lyon's importance as Lugdunum, capital of Gaul under Rome.
One of France's finest art museums, housed in a 17th-century Benedictine convent. Collections span Egyptian antiquities to contemporary works by masters like Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. The museum's organization chronologically guides visitors through art history, with particular strength in medieval and Renaissance pieces from Lyon's golden era.
Dedicated to cinema's inventors, the Lumière brothers, this museum celebrates early film history and hosts the prestigious Lumière Festival. Located in the brothers' mansion, exhibits include vintage cameras, projection equipment, and film screenings. An essential visit for cinema enthusiasts and those fascinated by technological innovation.
Housed in the 18th-century Prost Hôtel, this museum celebrates Lyon's legendary silk industry. Displays showcase historic looms, finished textiles, and design innovations spanning five centuries. Interactive exhibits explain the complex weaving techniques that made Lyon the silk capital of Europe, with examples from local heritage collections.
Tips for Museums & Galleries
- Many museums offer free entry on first Sunday of each month
- Combination tickets available for multiple museum visits
- Plan museum visits for mid-week to avoid crowds