Location: Lyon
Top Things to do in Lyon
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Things to do in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes: The Best Museums
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon has 2,000 years of history imprinted on its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history in Vieux Lyon (one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods) and Lyon's two Roman amphitheatres, which still stage rock concerts today. It's no wonder Lyon is a popular area for travelers, with its dynamic university, first-class shopping, antique markets, vibrant theatre and music festivals, and a range of interesting museums, such as the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets. (When we say "interesting," we mean it.)
Restaurants in Lyon
1. Taverne Gutenberg
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Taverne Gutenberg used to be an Algerian bar. The three storey building in the center of Lyon has now become a public attraction, welcoming more than 50 artists imagine an art path through out the building. Created by French Filipina designer Maia d'Aboville and artist Henri Lamy, the place is perfect for Palet knife workshops, exhibitions, concerts, or just a coffee
2. Soierie Vivante - Atelier Municipal de Tissage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Soierie Vivante invites you to discover Lyon's very last remaining weaving workshops from the 19th century. The association organises guided visits with no booking needed. The "bistanclaque pan" (as it's known in the trade) of the looms makes this noisy visit one you won't be able to forget!
3. LE 1111. Galerie Celine Moine et Laurent Giros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
LE 1111 is a cosy art gallery located upstairs like a collector's apartment. Transverse exhibitions are organized by Celine Moine and Laurent Giros, mixing old masters, modern and contemporary art. A treasure for fans of drawings and engravings by Durer, Rembrandt, Matisse, Picasso or Zao Wou Ki... and a laboratory to discover the best of contemporary art.
4. Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,980 reviews
This stately old building is located in Vieux Lyon.
Reviewed By Peta_and_Stu - Hobart, Australia
Please don't miss this fantastic museum. If you love movies and enjoy learning about the behind the scenes then you will enjoy this. The miniatures were outstanding, so realistic.
5. Centre D'histoire De La Resistance Et De La Deportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
A museum and depository of historical documents regarding the French resistance to Nazi occupation, of which Lyon played a central role.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Centre D'histoire De La Resistance Et De La Deportation is a must visit for anyone interested in the French Resistance or the Deportation of Jews, and WWII. It is a very moving "memorial" to that time of French history. If you don't speak French then you might consider using the audioguide. You might like to spend several hours inside the Museum.
6. Gallo-Roman Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 912 reviews
This museum of artwork, weapons, coins and other artifacts from ancient Rome is a reflection of Lyon's Roman past.
Reviewed By Albia-Newton - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
A totally brilliant museum Well presented with an excellent audio guide Magnificent artefacts Unmissable in my opinion
7. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,183 reviews
The museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is the largest French museum outside of Paris, in terms of the richness of its collections, and the importance of the bequests received at its creation, in the wake of the Revolution. The ongoing enrichment of the collection and its dynamic artistic program place the museum on the international art scene. The museum is located place des Terreaux, in the heart of the city center, in a former 17th century Benedictine abbey. Its cloister is now home to a quiet garden featuring sculptures by Rodin and Bourdelle, among others. The museum’s encyclopedic collections are exhibited in five sections and seventy galleries presenting artworks from all the major civilizations and artistic schools, from Antiquity to the present day. All year long, the museum offers its visitors an exceptional tour of 5 000 years of art history and organizes major temporary exhibitions, as well as cultural activities engaging all audiences.
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
A wonderful building, located in a beautiful area of the city. Many great sights around. Interestingly the building originally was a Benedictine convent! The stunning artworks include many masterpieces of great artists, as well as sculptures and other artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Middle East and elsewhere. This is a must visit sight.
8. Institut & Musee Lumiere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
In 1895, in Lyon, the Lumière brothers invented the Cinematograph. In the magnificient family home, the Lumière museum presents the Lumière brothers' most remarkable invention. Discover the history of the Cinematograph, the Autochromes (the first color photos), and its inventors. Also visit, in front of the museum, the famous First film Warehouse, where was shot the first Lumière movie : Factory exit. Today, it is home to the Institut Lumière cinema with its daily programs.
Reviewed By 4historyandculture - Charlotte, United States
The Lumiere brothers, the fathers of cinema, and the world’s first motion picture was created in Lyon. Very informative displays. This city is a gem for the art livers.
9. Musee de l'Imprimerie de Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By LargelyMonk - Banstead, United Kingdom
There’s a great deal of history here and it was surprisingly interesting. The first printing presses, the Gutenberg bible, the leaflets that started the Reformation, posters denouncing the clergy during the French Revolution, political posters, Art Nouveau in advertising, etc etc. lots of explanations of printing processes and all in all a fascinating hour. There’s a lovely courtyard in this ancient building and its free if you’ve got your Lyon card and if you haven’t, you should. One word of warning there’s no lift.
10. Galerie Estades Lyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Michel Estades Art Gallery, art expert since 1986, suggests you discovering the representative artists of the contemporary tendency.
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