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The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, located in Lyon, France, is one of the most important art museums in France and one of the largest museums in Europe. Known as the "Little Louvre," the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon is located south of the Place des Terreaux. The museum primarily houses paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by renowned artists.
Climate: Temperate maritime climate with continental characteristics
The temperate oceanic climate is mild and humid year-round. Its characteristics include mild winters, mild summers, and relatively even rainfall throughout the year.
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended attractions: Lyon Opera House
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Adults €7, groups of 10 or more €4 per person, free for children under 26
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-18:00;
Friday 10:30-18:00;
Some venues will be closed from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM; ticket sales will stop at 5:30 PM, and clearance will begin at 5:50 PM.
The Lyon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon) is one of the largest and most important museums in France, founded in 1803. It is housed in the former Abbey of Saint-Pierre, a historical building dating back to the 12th century. The museum features an outstanding collection of European paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning from ancient Egypt to modern art. It is renowned for its significant contributions to art preservation and its ability to offer diverse exhibitions.
The museum is located at 20 Place des Terreaux, in the heart of Lyon’s historic center.
The museum is open every day except for Mondays and certain public holidays, typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning during weekdays, especially when the museum is less crowded. It is particularly quiet on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
The general entry fee is around €8 for adults, with reduced tickets available for students, seniors, and large groups. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and for residents of the Lyon metropolitan area. Tickets can be purchased online through the museum’s official website or at the museum’s ticket counter.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to book at least a few days in advance for temporary exhibitions. However, for general admission, it is possible to buy tickets on-site.
To fully explore the museum, including the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, plan to spend about 2-3 hours. If you are particularly interested in detailed art appreciation, you may want to allocate more time.
Guided tours are available in French and English, and can be arranged in advance. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian. They can be rented at the museum’s reception.
The museum's beautiful inner courtyard, with its classical architecture, provides a great photography spot. Inside, the large galleries with impressive artworks like Rembrandt’s self-portraits or the massive sculptures in the Renaissance rooms offer excellent views for photography. However, note that photography may not be allowed in some exhibition areas, especially for special exhibitions.
Start by exploring the European painting collection, which is the museum’s centerpiece. Then, head to the Egyptian antiquities and classical sculptures sections. Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions, which can be found in designated areas. Finish your visit with a quiet moment in the museum’s central courtyard.
Night visits are not typically available, but special late-night events may be hosted during specific cultural festivals or during Lyon’s Fête des Lumières. The museum also organizes occasional evening events, including art talks and special tours.
The museum can get crowded during weekends, school holidays, and during special exhibitions. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when there are fewer tourists and locals.
The museum offers clean and well-maintained toilets, as well as rest areas for visitors to relax. A small café provides refreshments, and there is a museum shop where you can purchase art books and souvenirs. Water fountains are also available for visitors.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for easy access to all floors. There are also specific programs designed for children and families, including workshops and guided tours tailored for young visitors.
Cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted for both the ticket counter and at the museum shop. Cash is also accepted, but it’s more convenient to use card payments.
While the museum’s café offers vegetarian options, there are better choices for vegan and halal food at restaurants near the museum. Lyon has a growing vegan and vegetarian scene, with several eateries offering plant-based dishes.
Yes, the museum shop offers a variety of souvenirs, including art prints, books, and unique handcrafted items. Typical souvenirs include prints of famous works from the museum’s collection, such as paintings by Monet or Van Gogh.
After visiting the museum, you can continue your trip by walking to nearby attractions like Place des Terreaux and Fourvière. The metro (Line A) is also available at the Hôtel de Ville station, just a short walk from the museum, offering access to other parts of Lyon.
