Musée des Confluences

Natural history museum · 2nd Arr.

Musée des Confluences

Natural history museum · 2nd Arr.

3

86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France

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Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null
Musée des Confluences by null

Highlights

A strikingly modern museum at Lyon’s river confluence, blending anthropology, science, and culture with epic views and engaging exhibits.  

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86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France Get directions

museedesconfluences.fr
@musee_des_confluences

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86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France Get directions

+33 4 28 38 12 12
museedesconfluences.fr
@musee_des_confluences
𝕏
@mdc_confluences

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Jul 31, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Musée des Confluences

"Lyon's latest museum addition (opened in 2015) is unmissable when arriving into the city from the south. It's a big modern space ship like venue at the tip of the 'Presqu'île' where the Saône and Rhône meet. It hosts a great natural history permanent exhibition and has very interesting and well done temporary ones. A few events are hosted here throughout the year, including the European Lab conference. There's an impressive viewing point at the top of the building where the cafe is located." - Beast Collective

https://onthegrid.city/lyon/ainay-confluence/mus%C3%A9e-des-confluences
View Postcard for Musée des Confluences
@michelinguide

Lyon is Taking Over as France's Global Gastronomy Capital

"Le Museé: A homey bouchon with checked tablecloths, closely packed tables, and a buzzing atmosphere, this kitchen turns out old school classics such as Lyonnaise pork, foie de veau persillé (calf's liver), and trotters." - Sophie Friedman

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/lyon-france-best-restaurants-paul-bocuse
View Postcard for Musée des Confluences
@onthegrid

"Musée des Confluences, Ainay Confluence. Lyon's latest museum addition (opened in 2015) is unmissable when arriving into the city from the south. It's a big modern space ship like venue at the tip of the 'Presqu'île' where the Saône and Rhône meet. It hosts a great natural history permanent exhibition and has very interesting and well done temporary ones. A few events are hosted here throughout the year, including the European Lab conference. There's an impressive viewing point at the top of the building where the cafe is located."

Lyon
View Postcard for Musée des Confluences

Erika Lisa Horiuchi

Google
This might be one of the best modern museums I went to, really! It's very complete and I think kids would love it- there were a lot of enthusiastic ones when we went, at least. Their permanent expositions are very well detailed and easy to navigate, they're mostly about natural history, anthropology and culture, not much art history, or at least I didn't find one. Everything has french and english explications. On the entrance to each permanent exposition, there was a guide who would give a general feel of the pieces, and they could speak English too! Their temporary expositions were interesting and very well done, we went to the Amazon and the dreams ones, both very interesting. We didn't have to pay extra for these. They had elevators for all stages, and there were a lot of audio explanations too. On the terrace there was a lovely - albeit a bit expensive - cafe, with nice views. If you're not hungry, the terrace is included on the ticket price anyway, so you should go at least for the view. A must see in Lyon, for sure!

Ilka Marra

Google
Many interesting exhibitions inside, awesome building outside. The park area needs a little maintenance and upkeep, but everything else is great! The exhibitions were varied and interesting, I can see myself going back whenever new ones open up. I did expect a little more when it came to anthropological exhibitions. But maybe I missed that part, couldn't finish the whole thing in one afternoon.

Joel Dryer

Google
This is a very well done Natural History Museum. Pe visited when there was a special exhibition on sleep and dreams which was very interesting. The Architecture is stunning how many interior is delightful. Don't forget to go to the top floor and have a cafe. Underground floor is you exit there is a high-end restaurant set off by several large pools water.

Emre G

Google
It's worth visiting for the building and location alone. There are different types of exhibitions. Nice place to spend a couple of hours. Great views from the top floor , where there is also a nice café where you can relax.

Wisanu Tuntawiroon

Google
isiting the Musée des Confluences is less about ticking off another museum and more about confronting the essential questions of existence. Housed in a bold, almost otherworldly structure at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the museum mirrors its physical position thematically: it stands at the crossroads of science, anthropology, philosophy, and art. Each exhibition—whether about the origins of life, the rituals of death, or the migrations of species and ideas—asks not only what happened, but why it matters. What struck me most was the museum’s courage to tackle the profound: Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? It doesn’t hand you answers—it invites you into the uncertainty. Dinosaurs and meteorites share space with funerary masks and contemporary reflections on climate change, creating a tapestry of human inquiry that spans millennia. It’s both humbling and uplifting.

Ingrid The Bag Hag

Google
Loved the space even if it's a bit far from the city center. Not difficult to access by tram though and really worth the visit! Loved the fossils, animals, and mineral collections!!

Ronald Bengoechea

Google
A very modern museum with impressive architecture and a fascinating collection that blends science, history, and art. The entrance fee is €12, which I found reasonable. It’s not a huge museum, so you can easily explore it in a morning without feeling rushed. The best part, besides the exhibitions, is the location—right where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, offering stunning views. There’s also a café upstairs with large windows, perfect for enjoying the scenery. Lyon itself is a fantastic city for walking and dining, and this museum is definitely worth a visit.

Ash

Google
A museum that has permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions take you through the creation and evolution of humans and creatures throughout billions of years. The presentation of the galleries was very creative and well organized.
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Dave B.

Yelp
A very eclectic mix of exhibits. we liked the temporary ones better than the permanent ones. Definitely recommended. A beautiful new building. €18 for 2
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Carrie M.

Yelp
I am so glad this museum was free for me as a student (non-EU). I must say, it was weird. Not because any specific exhibits were weird, but because the exhibits seemed so random. When I walked in, it seemed like a natural science museum. I saw a geology exhibit, dinosaur exhibit, something about space, and one about the origin of humans. There was an exhibit about the importance and science of water, and there was an aesthetic vibe to it which I enjoyed. I thought the Africa exhibit seemed kind of random. I did not expect an exhibiting exploring death. There was an exhibit with some old technology as well. There were some more social and political exhibits in there too. I'm not doing a good job of how random it was, but there was a great disconnect between exhibits. I'm glad other reviewers have said the same. I think it's great for children, not so much for adults unless you're bored or love this kind of stuff. I wouldn't prioritize it in Lyon, but I had a bit of time for some French quirkiness.
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Tony T.

Yelp
The museum is a weird mix of different things put together that don't really seem to flow. There was a Native American exhibit along with exhibits about technology, death, and space. I'm not French so I don't understand how the French think about museums. The restaurant was fine, just a place to have something to eat or drink while at the museum.
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Rob C.

Yelp
This is a must see building located at the confluence of the Rhone and the Saone. Walk around the outside, walk up and down inside and stand on the different balconies and you can appreciate the architectural engineering of this building. The other great news is that there is a terrific restaurant, the La Brasserie des Confluences. The exhibits, meh! This was a great Sunday activity.
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Breit K.

Yelp
An incredible anthropology museum for all ages and individuals. There are two main levels, one of temporary exhibitions and one of permanent exhibits featuring four rooms on the second level involving the study of human cultures specifically on our origins, societies, species, and the study of funerals and death. Although in Lyon France, many of the exhibits featured English translations next to the breathtaking finds and artifacts of other cultures and societies. Not only were the exhibits fascinating but the interior of the building itself is also incredible with large glass windows highlighting the landscapes and society of the surrounding city of Lyon, a beautiful contrast of the studies within. Would definitely come back to see more and would recommend it to any fellow travelers!
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Adam R.

Yelp
For as much as I loved Lyon, and I really did, this museum was just weird. I think it was the curation. The temporary exhibits, like the one featuring penguins in Antarctica was cool. Great videography and a nice setup. But the permanent ones were kind of confused. One had a weird theme of progress in Lyon or something like that. And there was a part about technology and another that showed precious gems, and then an interactive one with machines. Just kind of weird. And the sound design wasn't great. A few of the permanent exhibitions were just noisy. And not with people, with the din from the sound of the speakers going everywhere. Kind of unpleasant. Now don't get me wrong, the architecture is super cool and the view from the roof is awesome. But unless there is a specific exhibit you want to see, pass. Lyon has plenty of other amazing things to do.

Teresina P.

Yelp
Probably one of the most amazing and well structured museums I have ever visited! The texts on the walls are beautifuly written, its highly interactive and the spacious rooms make each exhibit more fascinating. We planned to stay only for a short time, but ended up staying for hours and it was still to short! Please go and visit this place, its fantastic!