Musée des Confluences

At the southern tip of the Presqu'île, where the Rhône and the Saône meet, the Musée des Confluences opened in December 2014. Natural history, anthropology and societies are in dialogue inside a deconstructivist building by Coop Himmelb(l)au, visible from afar. A visit that blends scientific curiosity with the pleasure of a walk along the rivers.

Where two rivers meet

The museum stands in the La Confluence district, at the southern tip of Lyon's Presqu'île. The building is part of a wide redevelopment project for the area, which is reshaping the face of the city. Arriving here means a change of atmosphere: you leave the historic centre for a contemporary district, open to the water and easy to reach by public transport.

A landmark building

The building is the work of the architecture firm Coop Himmelb(l)au and follows the deconstructivist style. It stands out before you even step inside: take the time to walk around it and see how it dialogues with the rivers and the sky. For fans of contemporary architecture, that alone is reason enough to come.

A museum with a past

The Musée des Confluences is the heir to Lyon's Guimet Museum of Natural History, closed to the public since July 2007. It explores natural history, anthropology, societies and civilisations, and received the "Musée de France" designation in 2011. A museum for the curious of all ages, where big questions about nature and humankind meet.

How to visit

Listed hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:30am to 6:30pm. Official website: museedesconfluences.fr; phone: +33 4 28 38 12 12. Check the hours before you go. Combine the visit with a walk along the rivers, and leave yourself some margin: the place invites you to take your time.