In a city that claims to have invented cinema, thanks to the Lumière brothers, it feels right that one of the most popular museums is devoted to the movies. The Musée Cinéma et Miniature occupies a Renaissance building in Vieux Lyon long known as the Maison des Avocats, and its permanent collections spread over about 2,000 square metres. The cinema floors hold more than 1,000 pieces from film productions: costumes, special-effects props, prosthetic make-up, animatronic creatures, stop-motion puppets and the sculptures made during pre-production, with displays explaining how the tricks are done. The other half of the museum is devoted to miniatures, with more than 1,000 works at one-twelfth scale, tiny rooms, shops and streets so detailed that visitors find themselves peering in for minutes at a time. It is a favourite with families and film fans, and an easy choice for a rainy afternoon in the old town. Tiqets did not list this museum at build, so this page links to the City of Lyon’s official museum page.
How to visit: the museum is at 60 Rue Saint-Jean, a few minutes from Vieux-Lyon metro station on line D. On weekdays it opens from 10:00 to 18:30, except on Tuesdays, when it opens at 13:30; at weekends and every day in the school holidays it opens from 10:00 to 19:00. Tickets are sold until an hour before closing. There are adult, reduced and child prices and a family pack for up to four people, which makes it good value for families. Some Lyon City Card partner offers include it, so check when you buy.
What to expect: the museum spreads over several floors of a historic building, and the rooms are fairly compact, so it can feel busy on wet weekends and holiday afternoons. Allow at least ninety minutes, and longer if you like to read the explanations of special effects. Displays and exhibitions change, and temporary shows on themes such as matte painting add to the visit.
Making the most of it: go on a weekday morning, start with the miniatures while you are fresh, and leave the film floors for later. Pair it with the traboules of the Rue Saint-Jean and lunch in a bouchon, or with the funicular up to Fourvière.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit over several floors: original film props, costumes and creatures, then a floor of hyper-realistic miniature scenes.
Best time
Weekday mornings before the crowds; note the late opening at 13:30 on Tuesdays.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Buy the family pack for up to four people, and arrive at least an hour before closing, when ticket sales stop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film fans, families and anyone looking for an absorbing indoor visit in Vieux Lyon.
- Families
- One of the best family museums in Lyon, with creatures, puppets and tiny worlds to spot.
- Couples
- A fun rainy-afternoon stop between the traboules and dinner in a bouchon.
- Pair with
- The traboules of Vieux Lyon and the funicular up to Fourvière Basilica.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Musée Cinéma et Miniature?+
It is at 60 Rue Saint-Jean in Vieux Lyon, in a Renaissance house known as the Maison des Avocats. Vieux-Lyon metro station on line D is a few minutes away.
What are the opening hours?+
On weekdays it opens from 10:00 to 18:30, from 13:30 on Tuesdays. At weekends and in school holidays it opens daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with last tickets an hour before closing.
What can you see at the museum?+
More than 1,000 original film pieces such as costumes, props, animatronics and puppets. There is also a floor of over 1,000 miniature scenes at one-twelfth scale.
Is the museum good for children?+
Yes, it is one of the most popular family museums in Lyon. A family pack covers up to four people.
How long does a visit take?+
Most visitors spend between ninety minutes and two hours. Film fans who read every explanation can easily stay longer.
