Nestled in the heart of Vieux Lyon, the UNESCO-listed old town of France’s gastronomic capital, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature (Cinema and Miniature Museum) is a must-visit for film lovers, families, and anyone fascinated by the magic of movies. This unique museum offers a journey behind the scenes of legendary films, showcasing original props, costumes, and special effects, while also housing Europe’s most impressive collection of hyper-realistic miniature scenes. Whether you’re a movie buff or simply looking for one of the best things to do in Lyon, this museum promises an unforgettable, interactive experience for all ages.
History of Musée Cinéma et Miniature
The museum was founded by Dan Ohlmann, a renowned French miniaturist and set designer, whose passion for both cinema and the art of miniatures led to the creation of this one-of-a-kind attraction. Housed in the historic Maison des Avocats, a beautiful Renaissance building on Rue Saint-Jean, the museum opened its doors in 2005 and has since grown into one of Lyon’s top-rated attractions. Ohlmann’s vision was to create a space where visitors could marvel at the craftsmanship behind both blockbuster films and the intricate world of miniature art, celebrating the creativity and technical ingenuity that brings stories to life.
Attractions at Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- The Cinema Trail: Movie Props, Costumes, and Special Effects: Spread over 2,000 square meters, the museum’s permanent exhibition immerses visitors in the history of cinema through original objects from over a century of filmmaking. Highlights include:
- The camera used by Alfred Hitchcock in Vertigo
- Charlie Chaplin’s iconic walking stick
- Costumes and animatronics from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Alien, Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, Batman, Robocop, and more
- Puppets from Gremlins and The Phantom Menace
- Special makeup and prosthetics from Mrs. Doubtfire, Interview with the Vampire, and Thelma and Louise
- Robotic masks, pre-production sculptures, and behind-the-scenes secrets from Hollywood’s greatest hits
Temporary exhibitions and themed rooms, such as the Wes Anderson exhibition, further enrich the experience, making every visit unique.
- The Miniature Trail: Tiny Worlds of Wonder: The top floor is dedicated to Dan Ohlmann’s internationally acclaimed miniature scenes, meticulously crafted at a 1:12 scale. These lifelike dioramas recreate everyday spaces-restaurants, workshops, theaters, and more-with astonishing detail, drawing visitors into poetic, almost magical, microcosms. Over 1,000 miniatures by Ohlmann and other artists from around the globe are on display, making this the largest miniature collection in France.
- Interactive Experiences: Visitors are encouraged to take photos in immersive, movie-inspired settings-pose with the Alien Queen, step into a Jurassic Park scene, or snap a selfie beside iconic props from Stranger Things and Indiana Jones. The museum’s hands-on approach makes it especially appealing for families and children.
Things to Do at Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Explore Movie History: Trace the evolution of special effects, set design, and movie magic from the early days of cinema to the digital age.
Marvel at Miniatures: Examine tiny worlds up close and see if you can spot the hidden details in each diorama.
Take Photos: Capture unforgettable moments with life-sized props and in themed rooms.
Learn About Film Professions: Discover the skills of set designers, sculptors, animators, and makeup artists through interactive displays.
Shop for Souvenirs: Visit the museum shop for film memorabilia, books, and unique gifts.
Musée Cinéma et Miniature – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
The museum is open every day, including most public holidays (except December 25th and January 1st):
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 18:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:30 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:30 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
How Long to Spend at Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring the museum, though film enthusiasts and families may wish to linger longer, especially if taking part in interactive activities or browsing the extensive collections. The museum’s central location in Vieux Lyon makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing in the area.
How to Get There
- By Metro: Take Metro Line D to Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean station. The museum is a short 5-minute walk from the station.
- By Bus: Several bus lines serve the area, including lines 35, C10, and C13. Disembark at stops near Vieux Lyon.
- By Train: Lyon’s main train stations, Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu and Gare de Lyon Perrache, connect to Metro Line D or local buses for easy transfer to Vieux Lyon.
- By Funicular: The F1 and F2 funicular lines stop at Vieux Lyon and Fourvière, providing a scenic route up and down the city’s hills.
- By Taxi or Ride-Share: Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available throughout Lyon and can drop you at the museum entrance.
- By Bike or Scooter: Lyon’s Vélo’v bike-sharing stations and electric scooters are convenient for reaching Vieux Lyon, though the cobbled streets can be challenging.
- By Boat: River cruises on the Saône stop at Quai Romain Rolland, a short walk from the museum, offering a unique way to arrive in the old town.
Eateries Nearby Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Vieux Lyon is famous for its culinary scene, with a mix of traditional bouchons and modern cafes. Here are six recommended spots within walking distance:
La Fabrique Cookies: Perfect for a sweet treat or coffee break.
La Fabrique Givrée: Artisan ice cream with creative flavors.
Le Petit Glouton: Cozy bistro serving French classics.
Auberge Rabelais: Traditional Lyonnais cuisine in a rustic setting.
James Joyce Pub: Lively Irish pub with drinks and snacks.
Secrets D’Apiculteur: Specialty honey shop and tea room.
Other Attractions Nearby Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Longue Traboule: Historic passageway through Renaissance buildings.
Place de la Basoche: Picturesque square in the heart of old Lyon.
Maison du Chamarier: Notable historic house nearby.
Cour d’Appel de Lyon: Impressive courthouse building.
La Tour Rose (The Pink Tower): Iconic Renaissance tower.
Cathédrale Saint-Jean: Lyon’s grand Gothic cathedral, just 100 meters away.
Saône River: Scenic riverside walks and boat tours.
Funiculaire de Lyon: Cable car to the Fourvière Basilica and panoramic viewpoints.
Musée Gadagne: Lyon’s museum of history and puppetry, just 200 meters away.
Vieux Lyon: Wander the cobbled streets, traboules, and artisan shops of the old town.
The Musée Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon is a fascinating destination for film enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Nestled in the heart of Lyon’s Old Town, this museum offers a unique combination of cinematic history and the intricate world of miniatures. The musée cinéma et miniature showcases an extraordinary collection of original props, costumes, and special effects artifacts from blockbuster films such as Gladiator, Alien, and Batman. Each exhibit offers visitors an up-close look at the craftsmanship behind the scenes of some of the world’s most iconic movies.
What truly sets the musée cinéma et miniature apart is its incredible miniature scenes, crafted with mind-blowing precision and realism. These handcrafted dioramas replicate everyday life in astonishing detail, capturing everything from cozy kitchens to entire cityscapes. The museum’s creator, Dan Ohlmann, is a renowned miniaturist whose work stuns visitors of all ages.
A visit to the musée cinéma et miniature is both entertaining and educational, making it ideal for families, students, or solo travelers interested in cinema, visual effects, or art. Located in a beautifully preserved Renaissance building, the museum provides a perfect blend of historical charm and modern creativity. Whether you’re a movie buff or simply intrigued by tiny worlds, this museum promises a memorable experience in the heart of Lyon.