Lumière Museum
Birthplace of cinema in the Lumière family mansion
The Lumière Museum (Institut Lumière) in Lyon is a cultural center dedicated to Auguste and Louis Lumière, the pioneers of cinema. Housed in the Château Lumière, a late 19th-century family mansion built between 1899 and 1901, the museum offers a scientific and historical journey across four floors. Located at 25 rue du Premier-Film, 69008 Lyon, it serves as the birthplace of cinema.
Visitors explore interactive exhibits, early cameras, color and 3D photographs, and screenings of Lumière films. Key highlights include the original Cinématographe and "Le Hangar," the garden location where the first film was made. The museum functions as a living cultural hub, regularly hosting film screenings, lectures, workshops, and festivals. It also features a shop, a library with 15,000 art history volumes, and room hire services. The site is accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs.
Admission is €9.50 for full price, €7.50 for reduced rates, and €7 for groups or large families. Entry is free for children under 7 and Lyon City Card holders. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday and on weekends from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. It is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. This landmark provides a profound insight into the history of film and the technological innovations of the Lumière brothers, making it an essential stop for film enthusiasts and history buffs visiting Lyon.
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Hours & Fees
Hours
Tuesday–Friday and weekends 10:00 am to 6:30 pm; Closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25
Admission
€9.50 full, €7.50 reduced, €7 groups
Nearby Attractions
Other places to visit in Lyon
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October offer mild weather and ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.