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Musée des Confluences: Where Knowledge Flows

Explore the wonders of science, anthropology, and civilizations at Lyon's Musée des Confluences, an architectural marvel where knowledge and curiosity converge.

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The Musée des Confluences, located at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, is a striking science and anthropology museum housed in a deconstructivist architectural marvel of glass, concrete, and stainless steel. Opened in 2014, it explores the grand narrative of humanity and life through diverse exhibits spanning natural sciences, anthropology, Earth sciences, and technology. Visitors can journey through themed galleries showcasing dinosaur skeletons, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art, engaging with interactive displays that make complex topics accessible. Beyond its collections, the museum offers panoramic city views, a café, and a bookshop, making it a captivating destination for all ages. The museum is dedicated to making its exhibitions and activities accessible to everyone, and it has a variety of tools and services available to visitors with disabilities.

A brief summary to Musée des Confluences

  • Monday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase the Lyon City Card for access to the museum and other attractions, plus unlimited public transport.
  • Visit on the first Thursday of the month for extended hours until 10 pm.
  • Download the free Musée des Confluences app for guided tours and additional information in multiple languages.
  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events during your visit.
  • Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Lyon-Perrache station, take tram T1 directly to the 'Musée des Confluences' stop (approximately 10 minutes). Alternatively, bus 63 also serves the museum from the same station. From Place Bellecour, take bus C10 or 15, which will bring you to the museum in about 15 minutes. A single TCL ticket costs €2.00 and is valid for one hour, allowing transfers between trams and buses.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Lyon-Perrache train station to the Musée des Confluences will cost approximately €12-€18, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Lyon.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow signs for 'Lyon-Gerland' and then 'Musée des Confluences'. Several parking options are available nearby. The 'Musée des Confluences-Gerland' car park offers a preferential rate if you validate your ticket at the museum. Alternatively, the Tony Garnier car park is another option. Expect to pay around €2.50 per hour or €15-€20 for a full day of parking. On-street parking is also available in the area, but it is a paid parking zone from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 19:00, costing €2.00 for 1 hour and €6.00 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences, inaugurated in December 2014, stands as a beacon of knowledge and architectural innovation at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, France. Designed by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, the museum's deconstructivist structure, resembling a floating crystal cloud of stainless steel and glass, challenges conventional aesthetics and invites exploration. More than just a visual spectacle, the Musée des Confluences serves as a dynamic center for the convergence of scientific, technical, and societal knowledge, encompassing Earth, humanity, history, and geography. The museum's collections, inherited from the Musée d'histoire naturelle — Guimet, span a wide array of disciplines, including natural science, anthropology, and Earth sciences. These collections are enhanced by exhibitions of arts and crafts, creating a rich tapestry of human and natural history. The four major permanent exhibitions, "Origins - Stories of the World", "Species — the Web of life", "Societies — Human theatre," and "Eternities — Visions of the beyond", delve into fundamental questions about the universe, life, human societies, and the meaning of existence. "Origins - Stories of the World" explores the genesis of the cosmos, from the Big Bang theory to the evolution of life, with captivating displays of meteorites, dinosaur skeletons, and ancient fossils. "Species – the Web of Life" examines the interconnectedness of all living things, highlighting the diversity of life on Earth and the delicate balance of ecosystems. "Societies – Human Theatre" delves into the complexities of human cultures, exploring how societies are formed, how they evolve, and how they interact with each other. "Eternities – Visions of the Beyond" contemplates the human quest for meaning, exploring different cultural perspectives on death, the afterlife, and the search for transcendence. Beyond its permanent exhibitions, the Musée des Confluences hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and events, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving visitor experience. These temporary exhibitions often focus on specific themes or regions, providing deeper insights into particular aspects of human or natural history. The museum also features discovery spaces designed to engage children and families, making learning fun and interactive. The Musée des Confluences is not only a repository of knowledge but also a space for reflection and dialogue. It encourages visitors to question their assumptions, challenge their perspectives, and engage with the world in new and meaningful ways. The museum's location at the confluence of two rivers symbolizes the convergence of ideas, cultures, and disciplines that it seeks to promote. Accessibility is a core value of the Musée des Confluences, with a commitment to providing exhibitions and activities that are accessible to as many people as possible. The museum offers a range of services and facilities for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access, audio guides, tactile exhibits, and sign language interpretation. The museum also provides trained staff to assist visitors with special needs. Whether you are a seasoned museum-goer or a first-time visitor, the Musée des Confluences offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Its stunning architecture, diverse collections, and thought-provoking exhibitions will inspire your curiosity, expand your understanding, and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the world. The Musée des Confluences is more than just a museum; it is a gateway to knowledge, a celebration of human ingenuity, and a testament to the power of curiosity.

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