Lyon Museums

(Lyon, Rhône Alpes, France)



Picture of museums surrounding the Place BellecourLyon is home to a large selection of fascinating museums, exhibiting everything from the history of fabrics and puppetry, to printing and Gallo Roman city life. Many are located in beautiful old buildings within Lyon's historical centre.

Highlights include the silk exhibits at the Musée des Tissus, the historic furniture at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and also the city's interesting history of banking at the Musée de l'Imprimerie et de la Banque. Lyon's main museums are detailed below.


Musée des Tissus

Address: 34 Rue de la Charité, 69002, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7838 4200
As you would expect from a city that rightly claims the title of 'capital of silk', Lyon has an impressive museum devoted to the history of fabrics. Over 4,000 years worth of fabric and textile history are put on show in this museum, which is located within the 18th-century former residence of the Duke of Villeroy. Most notable amongst its vast collection are early Greek and Egyptian tapestries, linens and silks. The Musée des Tissus is also home to a number of silks produced in Lyon, including hangings that once graced the walls of Marie-Antoinette's rooms in Versailles and those of the Russian Empress, Catherine the Great. Other highlights include a number of contemporary exhibits by the likes of Poco Rabanne and Christian Lacroix.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Picture of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Address: 34 Rue de la Charité, 69002, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7838 4200
Connected to the Musée des Tissus, the museum is a showcase for some of the city's finest furniture, antiquities, tapestries, china and silver. There are also a couple of reconstructed rooms, which date back to the 18th century, being full of period details and furnishings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 (closed on public holidays)
Admission: charge

Musée de la Civilisation Gallo Romaine

Address: 17 Rue Cléberg, 69005, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7238 8190
Perched on the top of Fourvière Hill, overlooking the city, this museum offers visitors a great opportunity to learn more about how Lyon came to be founded, together with its early history, up until the 7th century. The Musée de la Civilisation Gallo Romaine covers a vast variety of exhibits on themes ranging from Roman chariot racing to religion, and the daily lives of Lyon's people under Roman occupation. Its ancient theatres come alive during the summer months as a venue for music concerts and other events.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday, March to October - 10:00 to 18:00; November to February - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Address: 14 Avenue Berthelot, 69007, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7273 3354 / +33 04 7872 2311
This museum is housed above the rooms that served as the headquarters of the Gestapo and the infamous Klaus Barbie during World War Two. Through its collection of audio and written material, visitors cannot fail to be moved as they hear and read about the experiences of the French Resistance and the events that led to the deportation of many resistance members. The attraction also hosts a number of thought-provoking temporary exhibitions.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Musée Historique de Lyon

Address: 1 Place du Petit-Collège, 69005, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7842 0361
Located in one of Lyon's finest Renaissance buildings, visitors can discover the history of the city at the Musée Historique de Lyon, from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century. It's also worth taking time out to discover the small Musée de la Marionette, which is connected to the main museum. The museum of puppetry features the famous Lyonnais versions of Punch and Judy, known as Guignol and Madelon.
Open hours: Wednesday to Monday - 10:45 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Musée de l'Imprimerie et de la Banque

Address: 13 Rue de la Poulaillerie, 69002, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 7837 6598
As well as silk, Lyon is also known for its role in the world of banking. Discover the history of banking in Lyon's former town hall, built in the 17th century. Exhibits also cover the history of printing, from the days when papyrus was used, right through to the earliest books and newspapers.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge