Located in the picturesque streets of Lyon, the Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature is a hidden treasure for movie buffs and art enthusiasts. This experience goes beyond merely visiting a museum; it offers an incredible journey into the creativity and magic of filmmaking.
This blog will highlight why this museum should be on your top list, provide some useful tips, and share our personal experience to inspire you.
The first thing that one notices upon entering the museum is the large collection of real props, costumes, and set pieces from popular movies. They bring history back to life through science fiction and fantasy films.
You can explore Dan Ohlmann’s amazing, intricately made miniature sets that he designed himself. When you look at these small works created with such precision, it is hard not to be amazed by their design skills.
In this museum, you get to see how filmmakers achieve stunning visual effects through interactive exhibits. It will explain how animatronics or green-screen technology can be used by directors to achieve mind-blowing special effects
The basilica is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. But check for hours before you visit, as they can change during holidays and special events. It’s generally quieter during the early morning and late afternoon.
For adults, the normal fee is about €12; however, there are discounts for students, children, and groups. We therefore advise you to buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid crowding during busy days.
Plan on investing at least a couple of hours so that you can take full advantage of two floors of cinematic marvels and tiny arts. Hurrying may make you miss out on some nice parts.
Although photographs can be taken in most sections, using flash is not allowed as it would harm the exhibits.
The moment we stepped into the Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature’s charming old building in Vieux Lyon, its cinematic atmosphere captivated us. The entrance hall with film posters all over it creates an atmosphere of anticipation for an amazing journey ahead.
We started our expedition in the cinema section, where we saw costumes, props, and set pieces from classic movies. It felt like we had stepped into another dimension, an unseen world of Hollywood.
The upstairs tiny art section appeared like a different planet. The tiny copies of rooms, streets, and everyday things were surprisingly accurate. There was a display containing very small pots and pans in a miniature kitchen that stopped us in our tracks, admiring its dexterity. Dan Ohlmann is interesting because he is the one who created this museum, which is completely special due to his passion for miniatures.
Thanks to an audio guide that gave us useful information about exhibits, our journey became more eventful. Once done with our trip, we went to a nearby souvenir shop, which had nice gifts and mementos on sale too.
When we left, it felt like we had traveled through time and space, encountering the magic of movies and the beauty of miniatures in a way we never expected.
Take Line D of Lyon Metro to Vieux Lyon-Cathédrale Saint-Jean stop. Walking for only five minutes will take you to the museum, tucked away in the narrow streets of the old city.
Many buses link to the area known as Vieux Lyon. C3, C19, or 31 will take you to Saint-Paul. This is just a 10-minute walking distance from the museum premises.
Parking cars in Vieux Lyon can be quite difficult because of its small lanes. The closest parking area would be either at Saint-Georges or at Saint-Jean. They are both conveniently located within a 10- or 15-minute walk from the museum.
Vélo’v, a bike-sharing service in Lyon, offers an eco-friendly approach to transportation.
In town? Go on foot so that you enjoy strolling along cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. It takes approximately fifteen minutes to walk from Bellecour Square down to the Saône River at most.
It is France’s largest urban park and an easy trip from Vieux Lyon. After getting tired of going through the museum, it provides good space for relaxation in large gardens with a quiet lake and a zoo.
This museum, situated on the other side of the Saône River, is often referred to as the “little Louvre” by many people. It is an attractive building dating back to the 17th century where visitors can view beautiful paintings, sculptures, and ancient objects.
