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: in its 2,000 m² of exhibition space, discover more than 1,000 original props from iconic film productions. 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: Lyon’s Entertainment Mecca
Lyon and cinema—or rather, Lyon is cinema. More than 130 years ago, it was indeed invented here by the Lumière brothers. It was therefore only natural that Lyon would be home to the most important museum in this field. Here, under the same roof of one of the city’s iconic buildings, are gathered all the greatest artifacts that have made cinema what it is today: the greatest dream machine ever invented by humankind. Just imagine that, upon entering the Cinema & Miniature Museum, something incredible happens.
After an extensive restoration, the World of Miniatures is making its grand return. This other section of the museum simply houses the world’s largest collection of art miniatures. 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, such as a Maxim’s restaurant or a traditional Lyon bouchon, rendered with striking realism—enough to make your mouth water!
This temple of cinema doesn’t just display—it brings things to life. Masterclasses, temporary exhibitions, and special events like the upcoming meet-and-greet with Anthony Daniels, the actor who plays C-3PO in the Star Wars saga, on November 21! The event offers a one-on-one meeting, an autograph session, and a selfie with the Star Wars legend in an intimate setting. There are still a few spots left…
Contamination Alert: The museum switches to horror mode for Halloween!
The other new event this holiday season will take place on the night of October 31… The museum invites you to join them for Halloween for a nighttime tour you’re sure to remember for a long time. A virus has broken out among the exhibits, and despite a quarantine to limit its spread, things aren’t going as planned… Your help will therefore be vital to save the museum! This experience is not recommended for children under 16, and costumes are, of course, welcome. The Museum Horror Night takes place on October 31, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
For those who are easily spooked, rest assured: the museum will already be in Halloween mode throughout the day (decorations, makeup workshops, family-friendly activities) to welcome all visitors in a slightly less scary environment.
"A museum within a museum," the museum is housed in a Renaissance-era 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” already 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 gallery overlooking the courtyard. 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.
Find all the details directly on the Cinema & Miniature Museum’s website.
