Discover the Musée des Confluences, Lyon’s iconic museum where science, culture, and history come together to inspire curiosity and wonder. Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, this architectural masterpiece is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Its unique structure, known as the “Crystal” and “Cloud,” invites visitors to explore the balance between nature and culture, past and present.
Inside, delve into over 3,000 m² of permanent exhibitions that explore humanity’s origins, the diversity of life, and the richness of cultures and civilizations. The museum’s four themed exhibitions—Origins, Species, Societies, and Eternity—offer an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexity of our world. Highlights include a 155-million-year-old mammoth skeleton, Egyptian mummies, and artifacts from the Amazon rainforest.
The museum’s collections, spanning five centuries, feature 3.5 million artifacts and specimens inherited from former museums in Lyon, including the Muséum d’histoire naturelle and the Musée Guimet. Explore the Galerie Émile-Guimet, showcasing contributions from donors over the years, and learn about the museum’s ongoing field missions, such as entomological campaigns in Morocco and Amazonian artifact collection projects.
Your ticket also includes access to temporary exhibitions, which change annually, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Conclude your visit by exploring the museum’s surroundings or relaxing by the riverside, making this an unforgettable cultural experience in Lyon.