With the Cinema & Miniature Museum, immerse yourself in an adventure worthy of a movie right in the heart of Old Lyon. Here, all the charm and authenticity of Lyon meet the magic of the silver screen: across its 2,000 square meters of exhibition space, discover over 1,000 original props from iconic film shoots. Costumes, props, and other gadgets from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Narnia, Indiana Jones, Alien, Terminator 2… It’s no surprise that this magical place is ranked among the best museums in the world.
The Cinema & Miniature Museum, or the Mecca of entertainment in Lyon
Lyon and cinema—or rather, Lyon is cinema. Over 130 years ago, it was indeed invented here by the Lumière brothers. It was therefore only natural that Lyon would host the most important museum of its kind. Here, under the same roof of an iconic city building, are gathered all the greatest artifacts that have made cinema what it is today: the greatest dream machine ever invented by man. Just imagine that upon entering the Cinema & Miniature Museum, something incredible happens…
This temple of cinema doesn’t just exhibit—it brings things to life. Masterclasses, temporary exhibitions (Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, Drew Struzan…), and special events (such as the Joker’s Dodge Monaco or masterclasses with Star Wars legends) make it an inspiring place for people to meet and share. In short, we can’t wait to discover this vibrant new cultural hub.
After extensive restoration, the World of Miniatures is making its grand return. This other section of the museum is quite simply the largest collection of art miniatures in the world. The hyperrealistic scenes, faithfully reproduced at a 1/12 scale, are the works of some thirty international artists. You’ll also find mind-blowing sets like a Maxim’s restaurant or a traditional Lyon bouchon, rendered with striking realism—enough to make your mouth water!
Lyon becomes Gotham City with the arrival of the real Batmobile
This is an exceptional piece that joins the museum’s already extensive collection. But this one, thanks to its history, uniqueness, and sheer size, is absolutely incredible! The legendary Batmobile, from Tim Burton’s 1989 film , has just pulled into the museum courtyard, and to say the least, it’s a sight to behold! A spaceship cockpit flanked by an airplane engine in the middle of the hood—the sight is truly breathtaking.
“A museum within a museum,” the museum is housed in a Renaissance building listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The magic of the visit begins even before you step through the museum’s doors… Right in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, the former “Maison des Avocats” sets the tone: here, you’re in for a visual feast. In keeping with the architectural features of Old Lyon, such as its famous traboules, the building combines the main structure with a magnificent courtyard gallery. Originally an inn dating back to the early 15th century, it was converted into a rental building before being repurposed to house the world’s largest collection on cinema open to the general public.
