Musée des Automates de Lyon
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Musée des Automates de Lyon

4.2
·263 reviews·Lyon, France

Step into a whimsical world of vintage automated puppets and intricate miniatures that bring scenes from literature and culture to life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing

CrowdLow
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Musée des Automates de Lyon

Musée des Automates de Lyon

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a whimsical world of vintage automated puppets and intricate miniatures that bring scenes from literature and culture to life.

4.2
(263 reviews)

"A surprisingly interesting and fun museum! Not a strong fan of the history of cinema-making, still I could not resist to enjoy seeing the original masks or costumes or props used in movies I have loved!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate About an Hour

A visit is typically around an hour, perfect for a quick yet memorable stop in Vieux Lyon. :stopwatch:

Great for Kids!

Children often find the moving automatons fascinating and magical. :child:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 263 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Literary & Cultural Scenes

Literary & Cultural Scenes

Main exhibition halls

Witness classic literature and cultural moments brought to life by intricate, old-fashioned automated puppets.

Artistic Miniatures

Artistic Miniatures

Dedicated miniature exhibit

Marvel at surprisingly detailed miniatures that capture scenes with a touch of magic and nostalgia.

Mechatronic Sculptures

Mechatronic Sculptures

Throughout the museum

Experience the unique atmosphere created by these charmingly crude, vintage mechatronic sculptures.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nostalgia

Step back in time at this unique museum showcasing old-fashioned automated puppets. It's a charming experience, especially for those who appreciate vintage artistry and quirky scenes. Plan for about an hour to fully enjoy the exhibits.

Vieux Lyon Charm

Located in the historic Vieux Lyon, this museum is a perfect addition to your exploration of the old town. Combine your visit with a stroll through the traboules and a stop at nearby attractions for a well-rounded day.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families with kids
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A day in Lyon #lyonnaise #citylife #travelstory #createandappreciate #lovetravel
@dnyal_b
66K likes • 358.5K views

Allocate About an Hour

A visit is typically around an hour, perfect for a quick yet memorable stop in Vieux Lyon. :stopwatch:

Great for Kids!

Children often find the moving automatons fascinating and magical. :child:

L’expo du moment à Lyon, qui parle d’amour❤️‍🔥 C’est l’expo “À nos amours” au musée des Confluences à Lyon. ❤️‍🔥 L’expo parle de l’amour sous toutes ses formes : l’amour amoureux, amical, parental, on découvre pourquoi on aime, les mécanismes de l’amour et du désamour avec des histoires à écouter sur le désir, la rencontre…💬 Il y a plein d’éléments interactifs : des jeux à deux, des tests de perso...
@emtritz
37.2K likes • 329.1K views
📍Must-see museum in Lyon, France! 🎨 Did you know you can learn the dance moves behind one of Beyoncé's biggest hits here?! 💃🤯 
I'm diving in to find out more AND checking how wheelchair accessible the place really is. ♿💪 Will they impress with their disability inclusion, or could it be better? Let’s find out! 👀 📍Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon 
Address: 20 Pl. des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France #Wheelch...
@wheelaroundtheworld
36K likes • 462.4K views

Embrace the Vintage Charm

The automatons are old, so expect some squeaks and cruder movements – it's part of the charm! ✨

Combine with Old Town

Perfectly situated in Vieux Lyon, pair your visit with exploring the historic streets. :city_sunrise:

jeux + piste de danse c’est magique #pourtoi #fyp #lyon #anosamours #exposition #expo #musee #confluence #museeconfluence #romantic #amour #Love #untilifoundyou #sentimental #date #crush #fallinlove #lyonconfluence
@bebewlebgdlastreet
29.1K likes • 232.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate About an Hour

A visit is typically around an hour, perfect for a quick yet memorable stop in Vieux Lyon. :stopwatch:

Great for Kids!

Children often find the moving automatons fascinating and magical. :child:

Embrace the Vintage Charm

The automatons are old, so expect some squeaks and cruder movements – it's part of the charm! ✨

Combine with Old Town

Perfectly situated in Vieux Lyon, pair your visit with exploring the historic streets. :city_sunrise:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(263 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Musée des Automates de Lyon to be a surprisingly interesting and original experience, particularly for its charming vintage automatons and detailed miniatures. While some note the crude nature of the mechatronic sculptures due to their age, this is often seen as part of their nostalgic appeal. It's recommended as a short, enjoyable visit, especially for families.

"A surprisingly interesting and fun museum! Not a strong fan of the history of cinema-making, still I could not resist to enjoy seeing the original masks or costumes or props used in movies I have loved! And the miniatures were really surprising. It was a well spent hour or so … not too much depth, but just being captured by the experience… I recommend it!"

Fernando Bonaduce

"Lovely staff and well organized affair. The mechatronic sculptures create a strange atmosphere but it's quite enjoyable with lots of fun little scenes. The mechatronica are incredibly crude, partly because they are so old, but this of course makes them slightly underwhelming. I would still recommend to go here and see some classic scenes of Lyon along with other more creative ones."

Frederik Laboyrie

"Really nice museum, specially if you go with children. There are many automats in a inspiring distribution. My favourite part is the one representing pictures, such as those by Monet. They have something magic and nostalgic even when they squeak. It's a short but meaningfull visit you shouldn't underestimate when you are un Vieux Lyon, close yo Saint George's Cathetral"

Mar Villar Rodil

What People Like

Quaint and original charm
Detailed miniatures
Nostalgic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crude automatons (due to age)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in the heart of Vieux Lyon. You can easily reach it by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Walking from the city center is also a pleasant option, allowing you to soak in the Lyonnaise atmosphere. 🚌 🚶

Parking in Vieux Lyon can be challenging due to its historic and pedestrian-friendly nature. It's recommended to use public transport or a nearby parking garage and walk the rest of the way. 🚗 🅿️

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official website or call ahead before your visit. Generally, it's open during typical daytime museum hours. :clock1:

Admission fees are generally reasonable, making it an affordable attraction. Check the museum's official website for the most current pricing information. :moneywithwings:

While not always necessary due to its size, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons. Check the museum's website for online booking options. 🎟️

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend around an hour exploring the museum. It's a concise yet engaging experience that doesn't require a large time commitment. :hourglassflowingsand:

Absolutely! Children often find the moving automatons and miniature scenes captivating. It's a great family-friendly activity in Lyon. :boy: :girl:

You'll find a collection of old-fashioned automated puppets recreating scenes from literature, culture, and local Lyon life. There are also impressive miniatures and mechatronic sculptures. 🎨 🎥

Information on guided tours is not widely advertised. However, the exhibits are designed to be self-explanatory and enjoyable at your own pace. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage upon entry or ask staff. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted. :camerawithflash:

The detailed miniature scenes and the unique mechatronic sculptures offer great photo opportunities. Capture the nostalgic charm of the automatons in action. :iphone: :star2:

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