About Musée Cinéma et Miniature
Description
Located in Lyon's charming medieval quarter, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature is truly one of those hidden gems that'll make your jaw drop. [Founded in 2005 by carpenter and artist Dan Ohlmann](https://mainlymuseums.com/post/828/lyon-s-mus-e-miniature-et-cin-ma/), this unique museum brilliantly combines two fascinating worlds: mind-bogglingly detailed miniature art and the magic of cinema special effects. And trust me, as someone who's always been fascinated by movie magic, this place doesn't disappoint!Key Features
• A remarkable collection of hyper-realistic miniature scenes that capture everyday life in incredible detail - think tiny cafes, workshops, and street scenes that look more real than photographs • An extensive assortment of original movie props and costumes from blockbuster films like [Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Alien](https://en.visiterlyon.com/out-and-about/culture-and-leisure/culture-and-museums/museums/cinema-and-miniature-museum) • Special effects exhibits that reveal the secrets behind your favorite movies • Interactive displays demonstrating movie-making techniques • Original costumes and props from famous films • Rotating temporary exhibitions showcasing different aspects of cinema art • Historical artifacts documenting the evolution of special effects • Detailed explanations in multiple languages • Photography is allowed in most areas (without flash)Best Time to Visit
Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, especially on weekdays. If you're visiting during peak tourist season (June through August), try to arrive right when they open - you'll get the best lighting for photos of the miniatures then anyway! Winter months are perfect for a visit since it's an indoor attraction, and you'll find fewer tourists around.How to Get There
The museum sits right in the heart of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), making it super easy to reach. You can take the Metro Line D to the Vieux Lyon station and walk a few minutes through the historic streets. If you're already exploring the old town, just follow the signs - you really can't miss it. The medieval building housing the museum is itself a piece of history, which adds to the whole experience.Tips for Visiting
Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly explore everything - [the miniature scenes alone deserve careful attention to spot all the incredible details](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187265-d195593-Reviews-Musee_du_Cinema_et_de_la_Miniature-Lyon_Rhone_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html). The lighting can be a bit tricky for photos, so if you're big on photography, bring a camera that performs well in low light conditions. Buy your tickets online during peak season to avoid queues. The museum provides audio guides in several languages - totally worth getting one to fully appreciate the exhibits. Some of the coolest stuff is easy to miss if you rush through, so take your time examining the miniatures - there are tons of hidden details that'll make you smile. Pro tip: Check out the gift shop - they've got some unique movie memorabilia and miniature-related items that make great souvenirs. And don't forget to grab the museum map at the entrance - the building has multiple levels and you wouldn't want to miss any of the exhibits. Keep in mind that the stairs can be a bit steep (it's in a medieval building after all), but there is elevator access for those who need it. Oh, and if you're visiting with kids, they usually love the special effects section - it's super interactive and gives them a behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic happens. Last but not least, combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Old Lyon area - the museum is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and historic sites, making it perfect for a full day of sightseeing. And if you're anything like me, you'll probably want to grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes afterward to process all the amazing things you've just seen!Description
Located in Lyon’s charming medieval quarter, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature is truly one of those hidden gems that’ll make your jaw drop. [Founded in 2005 by carpenter and artist Dan Ohlmann](https://mainlymuseums.com/post/828/lyon-s-mus-e-miniature-et-cin-ma/), this unique museum brilliantly combines two fascinating worlds: mind-bogglingly detailed miniature art and the magic of cinema special effects. And trust me, as someone who’s always been fascinated by movie magic, this place doesn’t disappoint!
Key Features
• A remarkable collection of hyper-realistic miniature scenes that capture everyday life in incredible detail – think tiny cafes, workshops, and street scenes that look more real than photographs
• An extensive assortment of original movie props and costumes from blockbuster films like [Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Alien](https://en.visiterlyon.com/out-and-about/culture-and-leisure/culture-and-museums/museums/cinema-and-miniature-museum)
• Special effects exhibits that reveal the secrets behind your favorite movies
• Interactive displays demonstrating movie-making techniques
• Original costumes and props from famous films
• Rotating temporary exhibitions showcasing different aspects of cinema art
• Historical artifacts documenting the evolution of special effects
• Detailed explanations in multiple languages
• Photography is allowed in most areas (without flash)
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, especially on weekdays. If you’re visiting during peak tourist season (June through August), try to arrive right when they open – you’ll get the best lighting for photos of the miniatures then anyway! Winter months are perfect for a visit since it’s an indoor attraction, and you’ll find fewer tourists around.
How to Get There
The museum sits right in the heart of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), making it super easy to reach. You can take the Metro Line D to the Vieux Lyon station and walk a few minutes through the historic streets. If you’re already exploring the old town, just follow the signs – you really can’t miss it. The medieval building housing the museum is itself a piece of history, which adds to the whole experience.
Tips for Visiting
Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly explore everything – [the miniature scenes alone deserve careful attention to spot all the incredible details](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187265-d195593-Reviews-Musee_du_Cinema_et_de_la_Miniature-Lyon_Rhone_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html). The lighting can be a bit tricky for photos, so if you’re big on photography, bring a camera that performs well in low light conditions.
Buy your tickets online during peak season to avoid queues. The museum provides audio guides in several languages – totally worth getting one to fully appreciate the exhibits. Some of the coolest stuff is easy to miss if you rush through, so take your time examining the miniatures – there are tons of hidden details that’ll make you smile.
Pro tip: Check out the gift shop – they’ve got some unique movie memorabilia and miniature-related items that make great souvenirs. And don’t forget to grab the museum map at the entrance – the building has multiple levels and you wouldn’t want to miss any of the exhibits.
Keep in mind that the stairs can be a bit steep (it’s in a medieval building after all), but there is elevator access for those who need it. Oh, and if you’re visiting with kids, they usually love the special effects section – it’s super interactive and gives them a behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic happens.
Last but not least, combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Old Lyon area – the museum is surrounded by fantastic restaurants and historic sites, making it perfect for a full day of sightseeing. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafes afterward to process all the amazing things you’ve just seen!
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