This was one of the highlights of our visit to Lyon. It's a great museum for movie buffs due to…read moreall of the genuine props and exhibits about cinema, spanning 8 floors of a historic Renaissance building in the heart of old Lyon. But even more impressive are the mind-bogglingly detailed miniature dioramas on the top floor (which are standalone, not related to movies). There are miniatures from several different artists, but by far the most amazing are the ones by Dan Ohlmann, who founded the museum. People have looked at the photos I took of some of those scenes and found it hard to believe they weren't real world images. I read some negative comments about the price of admission, but I felt that the 16 Euro fee for adults was well worth it, considering the quality of the exhibits and how much time I could spend there (we took about 2.5 hours to look through the whole place). I would highly recommend coming here if you visit Lyon -- it's ok to see things besides ancient churches and Roman ruins! :)

This is an amazing museum that you cannot pass on. At first when I was researching Lyon, I came…read moreacross this museum and was confused. How is this a cinema museum with actual props from movies around the world, yet also miniature version? No, that is incorrect. Yes, the props are actual props from movies around the world. This is the majority of the museum. And on the top floor, they have a separate exhibit of mini items that has absolutely nothing to do with movies. They're just really fun display cases to look at, and fun miniature items with lots of detailing. The cinema museum is great for any movie lover and even non-movie lovers like myself. They have several panels along the walls throughout the museum describing movies alone - how they are filmed, whether on a set, where environment is controlled, or real life setting, where it's accurate but they may have trouble with paparazzi, weather, or camera placement. They have several costumes from spider man, batman, etc. Then it takes you to different levels of the museum, featuring other random props from famous movies, including: -Mrs. Doubtfire - the original mask that Robin Williams wore! -Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - the letter that was sent to Harry! -Hoverboard - from Back to the Future II -Dinosaurs from Jurassic Park -Umbrella from Mary Poppins -Mirror from the Matrix etc. etc... it's a very impressive collection, and very nicely displayed. They also have a special exhibit on the top floor, which rotates periodically. My fiance and I were lucky to catch a Jean Pierre Jeaunet themed floor, with props from the Amelie movie. It was so incredible - we saw her dress, her tin box with small toys inside, and the photo albums of torn photos. They were also playing the movie and music on the side. The miniature part of the museum is impressive for its detail, but overall a little underwhelming after you see all the props from movies you've watched in the past. It is fun to note that if you film one of the miniature dioramas from your camera, it looks like you're filming a movie in real size! Very neat. Excellent museum for all to see - random that it's in Lyon of all places, but great for all ages. You can buy tickets online as well. I wish the gift shop sold more interesting things like postcards or trinkets - it only has books.

From the owner: La Maison des Passages est un lieu de créations et de partage des savoirs, un lieu et un projet…read moreconsacrés à la rencontre des cultures dont le fondement est l'interculturel et le cosmopolitisme. Nous avons fait le choix de valoriser les dynamiques de créolisation et de métissage, de valoriser le cosmopolitisme pour faire échec aux replis nationalistes, ethnicistes et identitaires. En travaillant sur la rencontre des cultures, nous privilégions l'écart, le trans, l'inter et donc l'inattendu de la rencontre (culturelle ou non). C'est en ce sens que l'interculturalité est d'abord un "art de vivre". Cette dynamique de l'interculturel et de la Relation est essentielle pour le respect du divers, l'approfondissement de la démocratie et de la justice, elle est essentielle dans tout processus de paix. La culture doit être pensée et vécue comme émancipatrice pour chaque être humain et l'accès à l'Art (aux pratiques artistiques, aux réflexions culturelles) un droit fondamental. Les échanges, les savoirs, les découvertes et la confrontation des idées donnent des outils de compréhension du monde, passé et présent, à toutes celles et tous ceux qui ont le goût, l'envie, le désir de chercher, de retrouver "la nuit du rêve", car le monde n'est pas seulement à habiter, il est aussi à inventer. Là est l'intention de la Maison des Passages.

I loved this museum! But I love the ancient Romans. If this is not your thing, then you should…read morenot put it on your must see list. It it is your thing, then I think you will consider this time time well spent. It is treasure trouve of ancient artificacts that are smartly organized by different subjects such as commerce, architecture, the trades, honorary monuments of gifts bestowed by wealthy citizens, and headstones of people from all walks of life. There is also a special exhibit at the bottom of the museum that takes the lives of four people and through both historical evidence and a little imagination helps you to better understand the culture and way of lives of these representative people who lived in Lyon but some of them came from different parts of the Empire. Also, as others have explained much better than me, the architecture and ingenuity of the design of this museum is definitely worthwhile as well. I had read a little about it before my visit but to see how grand and structurally creative this museum is could not be truly appreciated until seen in person.

A must see if you enjoy Roman history as I do. Unique pieces from Lyon's past as the Roman…read moreprovincial capital known as Lugdunum are displayed with plenty of room to admire the artistry. The museum starts at the top and ramps down through time. Some English signage on displays helps guide you along from 7000 BC to 197 AD. Numerous exhibits aimed at kids throughout, plus an activity corner.

This was a lovely surprise in Lyon. The collection here is not the Louvre but it's extensive enough…read moreacross centuries representing antiquities all the way to impressionism. For roughly €10 well worth spending the afternoon between all the walking and eating in the city.

It's a museum!!! How do you not like museums???? Plus this one was in the square. And it was free…read morethat day!

From the owner: Riche de 200 ans d'histoire, le Théâtre des Célestins a conservé toute la majesté de son…read morearchitecture d'origine qui date de 1881 : le foyer du public richement décoré, l'atrium aux volumes harmonieux, la salle rouge et or en font un théâtre à l'italienne d'exception en région Rhône-Alpes. Après 24 mois d'un vaste chantier de rénovation, il devient, au printemps 2005 un lieu unique en France qui associe tradition et haute technicité. Il est doté de 2 salles. Répertoire classique et contemporain mais aussi spectacles internationaux sont au programme.

The Lavoir opened its doors in 2012 but is already an institution of the alternative cultural…read morelandscape of the Croix-Rousse... and Lyon in general. They do a mix of parties, theatre, exhibits, take part in festivals - all that at reasonable prices, you pay a 2€ membership fee per year because it's an association plus either pay what you like (often for parties) or a set ticket price for plays etc. The venue itself is worth going for, a former public wash and bath house, still complete with vats for washing clothes and an industrial feel. The monthly Arm Aber Sexy party is great (first Saturday of the month), the people are a queer-hetero-hipster-alterno mix, which makes for a great atmosphere, the music is often good, ranging from electro to disco-ish. Absolutely recommended if you're looking for a queer-friendly party with a laid-back, dancy DYI feel (the drink selection is small but cheep and the speakers sometimes die at the end of the night) and you don't mind an early night (they close at midnight because of the residential area).

From the owner: En un peu plus de deux ans d'existence, Le Lavoir Public a gagné le pari d'imposer sa marque, son…read morerythme et son style en réussissant à mêler création contemporaine, formes expérimentales, nouveaux langages du siècle et activités festives. La nouvelle Collection automne-hiver poursuivra donc cette ambition, à l'instar de ce mois de septembre : création littéraire avec Chloé Delaume qui présentera pour la première fois à Lyon son nouveau projet, du théâtre iconoclaste, un week-end européen de performance présenté en écho à la 16ème Biennale de la danse en partenariat avec le Goethe Institut, une exposition truculente. Et bien sûr du clubbing et des fêtes. D'une part parce qu'au Lavoir, la fête peut aussi être un geste artistique et créatif, et aussi, vous le savez, car notre économie en dépend, c'est aussi dans son mélange des genres que Le Lavoir trouve les moyens d'exister, grâce à vous. Nous continuerons donc à exciter votre curiosité, à vous faire découvrir des formes singulières, à vous surprendre là où vous ne vous y attendiez pas en rendant accessibles à chacune et chacun des formes ambitieuses, comme autant de facettes d'un monde agité par ses nombreuses mutations.

From the owner: De la culture entre les restaurants Le Théâtre des Marronniers a été créé en 1985. Il bénéficie du…read moresoutien de la Ville de Lyon et du Ministère de la Culture (D. R. A. C. Rhône-Alpes) d'une part et du Conseil Général du Rhône d'autre part avec qui existent des conventions triennales depuis 2002. Depuis novembre 2006, le théâtre des Marronniers est également subventionné par la Région Rhône-Alpes pour son action sur l'émergence théâtrale. Dans ce lieu de parole pour la voie parlée ou chantée, où s'est affirmé un théâtre d'auteur et d'acteur, sont présentés des textes classiques et contemporains, un travail sur la tradition orale, des adaptations de romans, des concerts littéraires, ou lyriques, des spectacles sur la transmission de la mémoire d'ici ou d'ailleurs. La direction du théâtre propose une formule dîner-spectacle à 30€ du mercredi au samedi. Le dîner est servi dans l'un des restaurants de la rue des Marronniers avant ou après le spectacle.

Lyon is like the second or third biggest city after Paris and the gourmet capital of France. So…read morethat alone is worth visiting. Old town Lyon which is on the Saone River side - is oh-so-quaint and charming and a draw for Lyonnais and tourists alike. Plenty of interesting shops and tons of bistros, bars, and cafes. Terrific for people-watching! Just simply enchanting to stroll these cobblestoned streets and admire the architecture and ambience.

From the owner: L'ancienne cité romaine Quartier historique et touristique par excellence, le Vieux Lyon désigne…read morel'ensemble urbain situé entre la Saône et le bas de la colline de Fourvière. Jusqu'au 16ème siècle, le Vieux Lyon fut le centre religieux, politique et économique de la ville. A partir de cette époque et grâce à la venue de riches immigrés, le Vieux Lyon se transforma en un magnifique ensemble architectural de style Renaissance. Aujourd'hui réhabilité, ce quartier principalement piéton et pavé, regorge de traboules - passages aux couleurs ocre entre deux immeubles - de boutiques, de restaurants et de magnifiques hôtels comme celui de La Tour Rose ou de La Cour des Loges. Il abrite également le Musée Gadagne, la primatiale Saint Jean et la Place du Change. Ce quartier florentin aux couleurs chaudes rejoint les plus beaux ensembles architecturaux du monde tels que ceux de Venise, Prague et du Parthénon. Classé au patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco en 1998.