Musée Gadagne

The Musée Gadagne, located at 1 Place du Petit Collège in Lyon’s Vieux Lyon, is housed in a Renaissance building constructed in the early 16th century. Classified as a monument historique in 1920, this historic site houses two distinct institutions: the Museum of History and Society and the Museum of World Puppets. The museum reopened in 2009 after extensive renovations, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Lyon’s cultural heritage across four floors.

The Museum of History and Society traces the city’s development from Antiquity to the 21st century. With a collection of 80,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts, it provides essential context for understanding Lyon’s role as a center for silk production, banking, and political change. The exhibits cover economic, social, and religious facets of the city’s past. Adjacent to this, the Museum of World Puppets showcases a unique collection dedicated to puppetry traditions from around the globe.

Visitors can explore the museum daily from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, with last admission at 5:30 pm. The site is closed on Mondays and several public holidays, including January 1st and May 1st. Admission costs 8 EUR for adults, while youth, unemployed individuals, and disabled visitors enter for free. The location is easily accessible via Metro lines A and D, as well as various bus routes. Inside, visitors are required to store beverages, food, and umbrellas in the checkroom. The museum also features a shop, café, and garden, which are free to access. This combination of historical depth and unique cultural exhibits makes the Musée Gadagne an essential stop for travelers interested in Lyon’s rich artistic and social history.