Visiting the Musée des Confluences
A symbol of urban renewal
Since opening its doors in 2014 on the peninsula in Lyon (2nd arrondissement), the Musée des Confluences has become known for its experimental architecture. Marking the southern tip of the peninsula with its distinct silhouette, the building serves as a centerpiece for the transformation of this district. This structure was designed by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au.
Natural history and anthropology
The building houses the former collections of the Musée d'histoire naturelle Guimet (Guimet Natural History Museum), which was previously located further north in the city. Beyond these original holdings, the permanent exhibitions at the Musée des Confluences are regularly updated with new pieces spanning nature, anthropology, civilizations, and science. Dinosaur skeletons and taxidermy displays sit alongside prehistoric tools and artisanal objects from across the globe.
The space also hosts temporary exhibitions and incorporates live performances, including theater and music, through partnerships with other institutions. It is now a fixture of the cultural scene in Lyon.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
The extraordinary modern architecture of the building reminded me of the Fondation Louis-Vuitton in Paris. During my very educational journey through the vast collections, I really loved the "Origins" section, which invites us to go back in time, from fabulous mammoths to the evolution of species.
On the other hand, I liked the section dedicated to death less, as it raises a lot of questions without providing any real insight. The lack of nearby parking makes getting there by car quite difficult, so it is better to choose walking or the vaporetto, which offers a nice ride along the way.
Plan for a full day if you want to see both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. The ticket has the advantage of allowing you to leave and come back in to go out for lunch.