Things To Do in Lyon: Visit Musee Miniature et Cinema

This is probably the best museum I’ve ever visited in Lyon. It was highly entertaining for me and the place really piqued my interest. I even went back to some of the rooms in this museum to admire what’s on display once again. Highly recommendable for those who are movie freaks like I am.

What exactly is it?

Created by miniaturist artist Dan Ohlmann, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature presents two rare and exclusive collections: first, over 100 miniature scenes exquisitely crafted by world-renowned miniaturists and reproducing daily life settings with hyperrealism; second, a film exhibition, one-of-its-kind in Europe, that focuses on special effects techniques. Featuring over 300 original film props and artefacts, this educational display uncovers the magic behind the greatest film studios.

What will you see there?

The museum is housed in a 5-story building. Each rooms offering something unique to the visitors. You first start to see the cinema part of the museum. Here you will find the original props, costumes, scripts and even the blueprint of a particular studio where the film is to be created. It also shows you how they create special effects. If you’re a movie freak and that won’t make you want to go to this museum then I don’t know what will. It was the first time for me to actually read every single explanation/detail of a display while in a museum. It was really THAT interesting.

Film sets, costumes, models, masks, prosthetic make-up, fake animals, robots, monsters and aliens of all kinds…, altogether over 300 props and objects that were used on set or during production. This educational exhibition unveils all the tricks that are used by cinema magicians.

Best part of it all, taking photos is allowed. Here are some that I took:

Actual box used in Titanic.

Behind the train is the actual footage of how they did the train crash in a movie.

In order to create prosthetic make-up or mask, artists need the actor’s face to start working. This is the lifecast of an actor, guess who.

Some of the newspapers used in a movie.

Script of the first scene in Sixth Sense

The miniature side of the museum is also very interesting for me. The details of each and every scene is just too much. I bet the artist who did it must have really steady hands. I had to squint and study each and every single detail of the displays, there were people behind me waiting for me to finish. LOL.

Their outstanding realism revives one’s memories and exhales a distinct sense of nostalgia. The subtle lighting arrangement, the painstaking replication of old textures, the use of the same original materials, all contribute to the creation of a moving poetry that resonates with each new miniature panorama.

This one is just so realistic for me.

Can you see the dog?

Some of the little details they used on the display.

It’s still tiny even if it’s magnified.

Don’t forget that all these displays are tinier than my index finger.

I finished my tour there after about an hour and a half including those times when I went back to some of the rooms to admire the artwork once again. I really do recommend this maybe not for families with kids as some of the movie props on display are based on violent or scary movies.

How much did I pay?

I didn’t pay anything as I have my Lyon City Card which served as my ticket. Normally, the below fees apply:

Adults: 8€

Children: 6€
(4 to 15)
Children under 4: free of charge

Senior: 7€
(from 60, proof of entitlement required)

Reduced rate: 6€
- Students (under 26)
- Unemployed
- Disabled
(proof of entitlement required)

Reduced rate “Large family”
Adult 7€ / Children 4,50€
(proof of entitlement required)

What are the opening times?

10.00-18.30: Monday – Friday
10.00-19.00: Saturday – Sunday
10.00-19.00: School holidays and bank holidays
Closed on December 25 and January 1st
Warning: Last admission: 1 hour before closing time.

For more information, you may visit their website here: Musee Miniature et Cinema
For more photos, please do visit my Facebook page: Pinay Flying High