Since 1803, Musée des Beaux-Arts has housed premier collections and exhibitions. Today it boasts more than 600 paintings, 300 sculptures and thousands of objets d'art, including antiquities, coins and medals. The ground floor houses the refectory and chapel (formerly the church of St Pierre), containing 19th-and 20th-century sculptures. The first floor includes Egyptian, Greek, and Roman (before 200 CE) antiquities; the second floor is dedicated to paintings from the 15th-20th Centuries. Two book and gift shops and a refreshment area are also available on-site.
The Musée des Miniatures et Décors de Cinéma (Museum of Miniatures and Cinematic Decorations) is an astonishing little private museum on Rue Saint-Jean. It is of international standing and children will love the numerous games and dollhouses, while adults will appreciate the reconstruction of the famous theater and restaurant on site. Model makers will gasp in admiration at the skill and patient dexterity displayed at the huge number of exhibits lining the place. In short, this museum will be enjoyed by everyone!
Institut Lumière, a museum and former home of famous inventors Louis and Auguste Lumière, is dedicated to all things related to the world of theater and cinema. Exhibitions include a display of the brothers' inventions, and there is a screening room for documentaries, conferences, or film showings, as well as a library. Many events, festivals, conferences and meetings are organized throughout the year and, during the summer, there are free open-air films in front of the building.
To better understand the history of Lyon, you have to start with the Gallo-Roman Museum, on the hill of Fourvière. It shows the prehistory and the proto-history of the Lyonnaise region, as well as the birth of Lyon (43CE) up until the 7th Century. The museum is made up of areas with different themes - ceramics, glassware, tools, objects showing domestic life, belief systems relating to death, the army, religion, Roman Gaul circus games. More uniquely to Lyon, the key pieces are sarcophagi of the 3rd century, a processional chariot (700BC), which was found intact (area 1), the engraved Claudian table, which is fundamental for the understanding of the Roman state (area 4). There is also a lunar and solar calendar in the Gaelic language but using Latin characters, which allowed them to regulate religious life (area 9) and mosaics of circus games (chariot races), which are truly extraordinary (area 10). You can see that these give a good representation of what Lyonnaise's life would have been like under Roman occupation. Worth seeing in the surroundings is the Gaelic-Roman site of the large theater and the Odeon. The shop sells books, magazines, mock-ups, and copies of objets d'art. On top of this, there is a workshop to entertain and occupy children.
In prestigious surroundings, the Célestins offers an unbelievable and magical decor as well as an exceptional program. Built by the architect G. André between 1872 and 1877, this theater is considered to be one of the most eloquent Italian-style theaters (the main hall houses the stage and tiers). The original structure, dating back to 1789-1792 had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1871, which destroyed the main hall. The neoclassical façade presents many antique style columns and semi-circular bay windows made from different colored materials. Inside the main hall, the ceiling painted by J. Domer in 1881 and called 'la comédie d'Aristophane', depicting the famous Greek poet surrounded by Athena and musical allegories, has been preserved. From the Place des Célestins, there is an unobstructed view of the theater's façade and also see from the underground car park through a periscope! A popular landmark and an integral part of the city's cultural milieu, this theater features a great line-up of classical and contemporary plays all year round.
If there is one opera house that bears witness to the theatrical past of its town, then it is the Opéra Nouvel. This opera house was built between 1756 and 1832 to cater to the growing popularity of opera in Lyon at the end of the 18th Century. Following a competition set up by the Council of Lyons, the Opera House was renovated by the architect Jean Nouvel who retained its original structure and the four outer facades whilst giving it a modern facelift. It now accommodates a corps de ballet, an orchestra as well as many rehearsal rooms, storage areas for costumes and props. Apart from opera performances, audiences will definitely enjoy the impressive line-up pf dance shows, cultural events and concerts featured every year.
Having opened its doors in the year 1981, Galerie Le Réverbère is one of the oldest and most revered photography galleries in the city. In fact, the displays of nationally known photographers has led to national fame for this establishment. The 300 square meter (3229.17 square feet) space has been host to exhibitions of renowned contemporary photographers such as William Klein, Jacques Damez, Arielle Bonzon. All in all, this is a place all art and photography lovers must visit when in Lyon.
Salle Léo Ferré is a part of the MJC du Vieux Lyon where many exciting events are held regularly. MJC du Vieux Lyon or MJC Old Lyon is managed by a dedicated committee consisting of the local people of Lyon. A variety of shows like debates, comedy shows, songs and other performances are organized here There are all the facilities provided to make the event a success. In fact, all in the family can enjoy fully as there are many activities and shows for children too. Please contact to know the latest events being showcased here.
Improvisation is one of the most challenging forms of theater and true to its name, Lyon's L'Improvidence is completely dedicated towards encouraging and nurturing it. L'Improvidence is very popular among locals as well as tourists for its versatile shows and talented performers. Comedians from across Europe have graced the stage at L'Improvidence; and the theater has served as an incubation center for these skilled artists. The setting of the theater is quite intimate, it can accommodate only 50 spectators at a time but the petite interior adds immeasurable to the place's charm. The theater also has a small bar where guests can enjoy a drink or two before or after a show.