Musée Miniature et Cinéma Tours

If you’ve ever wanted to see movie props up close, or you’re just looking for a good rainy-day destination where you can take a break from wandering cobblestone streets, head over to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma (Cinema and Miniature Museum). In a stately building in Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), you’ll find real objects from hundreds of films, mini masterpieces, and more.

The Basics
The Musée Miniature et Cinéma displays an extensive collection of cinema props, and a permanent miniatures collection that’s unparalleled in Europe. Check out the exhibit on special effects in film, and stop by the artists workshop, where you’ll see artisans at work creating new miniatures and restoring damaged objects.

To save time at the entrance, book your ticket online in advance. For the best value, pick up a Lyon City Card, and enjoy free admission to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma and other cultural attractions around the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Musée Miniature et Cinéma is a must for film buffs.
• Architecture fans will appreciate the museum’s elegant Renaissance-era building and courtyard.
• When the museum is crowded, strollers may not be allowed in the exposition rooms; however, you can borrow a baby carrier from the ticket desk.

How to Get There
The Musée Miniature et Cinéma is located on the historic Rue Saint-Jean, in the heart of Old Lyon. The easiest way to get there is by metro—take the D line to the Vieux Lyon stop, then walk north on Rue Saint-Jean. You’ll find the museum three blocks ahead on the left, in the Maison des Avocats.

When to Get There
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm. It’s closed on bank holidays, including December 25 and January 1. Because the museum is a popular weekend afternoon destination, avoid the crowds by going during the week, or before lunch on a weekend.

Visiting the Cathédrale St-Jean
Just steps from the Musée Miniature et Cinéma is Old Lyon’s standout attraction: the 12th-century Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean). The sacred sight is known for its stained glass windows, collection of religious relics, and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the daily chiming of the cathedral’s astronomical clock, which features an accurate perpetual calendar that’s been working for hundreds of years.