Musée Urbain Tony Garnier - A long hallway with paintings on the walls
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Musée Urbain Tony Garnier

4.4
·364 reviews·Lyon, France

An open-air museum where vibrant murals inspired by architect Tony Garnier adorn Lyon's buildings, transforming streets into an art gallery.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for murals

CrowdLow
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Musée Urbain Tony Garnier - A long hallway with paintings on the walls

Musée Urbain Tony Garnier

Best Time

Daytime

Best light for murals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An open-air museum where vibrant murals inspired by architect Tony Garnier adorn Lyon's buildings, transforming streets into an art gallery.

4.4
(364 reviews)

"Nice wall paintings, a great place to visit for a unique urban art experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the murals. Explore the streets of Lyon with ease!

🗺️ Download a Map

Navigation can be tricky. A map helps you find all the key installations and avoid getting lost.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Project Murals

The Grand Project Murals

Various buildings in the 8th arrondissement

Vibrant murals bring Tony Garnier's architectural dreams to life on the facades of residential buildings.

Architectural Visionary

Architectural Visionary

Throughout the neighborhood

Discover how Garnier's innovative urban planning concepts are visually represented across the cityscape.

A Living Museum

A Living Museum

The streets of Lyon

Experience art and architecture seamlessly blended into the daily life of the city.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Urban Canvas

This isn't a traditional museum; it's an open-air exploration of Tony Garnier's visionary designs integrated into Lyon's cityscape. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be prepared to discover art on buildings.

Navigating the Artful Streets

While the murals are captivating, some visitors find navigation challenging. Consider downloading a map or looking for subtle directional cues to fully appreciate the urban art installations.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best light for murals
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are some underrated places to go to/visit in Lyon?

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the murals. Explore the streets of Lyon with ease! Reddit

🗺️ Download a Map

Navigation can be tricky. A map helps you find all the key installations and avoid getting lost. Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

The murals are incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera or phone for stunning urban art shots.

🗣️ Learn Some French

While not essential, knowing a few phrases can enhance interactions with locals. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the murals. Explore the streets of Lyon with ease! Reddit

🗺️ Download a Map

Navigation can be tricky. A map helps you find all the key installations and avoid getting lost. Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

The murals are incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera or phone for stunning urban art shots.

🗣️ Learn Some French

While not essential, knowing a few phrases can enhance interactions with locals. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(364 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Musée Urbain Tony Garnier to be an interesting and unique open-air art experience, appreciating the integration of murals into the urban landscape. While the concept is praised, some reviewers note that the exhibits could be more interactive and that clearer directional guidance would enhance the visitor experience.

"Okay visit overall. The exhibits were interesting but could use more interactive elements. The staff was courteous, though not very engaging. The museum was clean, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression."

A Google User

"I hope one day they add a directional walking guide on the pavement, as it is not always obvious which way to go."

Ivan Tarter

"Great museum. Recommend for visiting."

Viktor Ivanchenko

What People Like

Unique urban art concept
Vibrant murals
Open-air exploration

What People Dislike

Could be more interactive
Navigation can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Musée Urbain Tony Garnier is an open-air museum spread across the 8th arrondissement of Lyon. You can reach it via public transport. Tram lines T4 and T6, as well as bus lines like 35 and C23, serve the area. It's recommended to check the TCL Lyon public transport website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Reddit

There isn't one single starting point as it's an urban exploration. However, many visitors begin their journey around the area near the Stade de Gerland or the Jean Macé metro station, from where you can start discovering the murals. Reddit

Yes, you can drive, but parking in residential areas can be challenging. Public transport is generally more convenient and recommended for exploring the neighborhood. Reddit

Yes, Lyon has a good cycling infrastructure, and biking is a great way to explore the area and discover the murals at your own pace. Reddit

Many visitors suggest using a map or a dedicated app if available, as the murals are spread out. Walking is the primary mode of exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Musée Urbain Tony Garnier is an open-air museum, meaning all the murals and architectural elements are publicly accessible. There are no tickets or admission fees required. Reddit

As it's an outdoor space, the 'museum' is accessible 24/7. However, the best time to view the murals is during daylight hours for optimal visibility and photography. Reddit

While there might not be official guided tours readily available, local guides or cultural associations sometimes offer themed walking tours of the area that include Tony Garnier's work. It's worth checking local tourism websites. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee. The housing project itself is a residential area, and the murals are part of the urban landscape. Reddit

You can walk through the area at night, but the murals will not be visible without specific lighting. Daytime visits are highly recommended to appreciate the artwork. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best spots are anywhere you find a well-preserved mural with good lighting. Look for murals that are integrated with interesting architectural features of the buildings. The scale of some murals is impressive, so try to capture both the detail and the context. TikTok

Late morning or early afternoon often provides the best natural light for photographing murals, minimizing harsh shadows. Golden hour (early morning or late evening) can also create beautiful, warm light. TikTok

Generally, there are no restrictions on photographing the exterior murals. However, always be respectful of residents' privacy if you are photographing near their windows or private spaces. TikTok

Any modern smartphone or digital camera will work well. A wide-angle lens can be helpful for capturing the full scale of larger murals, while a zoom lens can be useful for details. TikTok

Try to incorporate elements of the surrounding urban environment into your shots, such as street signs, trees, or even people passing by (with their permission, if identifiable). Experiment with different angles and perspectives. TikTok

🎫 ℹ️ Onsite Experience

It's an open-air museum where large-scale murals inspired by architect Tony Garnier's work adorn the facades of residential buildings. It's a unique way to experience art integrated into the urban fabric. Reddit

This depends on your pace and how much you want to explore. A casual walk to see the main murals might take 1-2 hours, but dedicated art enthusiasts could spend half a day. Reddit

The 'interactivity' comes from exploring the streets and discovering the art. While there aren't digital exhibits, the experience of finding and appreciating the murals in their urban context is engaging. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring water, especially in warmer months, and a camera or smartphone for photos. A map or navigation app is also highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, it can be. It's a great way to introduce children to art and architecture in a non-traditional setting. Make it a treasure hunt to find different murals! Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée Urbain Tony Garnier can be a fun and educational outing for families. Instead of a stuffy museum, it's an adventure through the city streets to find colorful murals. Turn it into a scavenger hunt: give kids a list of things to look for on the murals or challenge them to find their favorite one. It's a great way to introduce children to art and architecture in a dynamic, engaging way. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and make sure everyone has comfortable shoes for walking. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers, the Musée Urbain Tony Garnier offers a fantastic opportunity for independent exploration. You can set your own pace, linger at murals that capture your interest, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local urban landscape and appreciate art in a relaxed, uncrowded environment. Downloading a map beforehand is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss any key pieces. Reddit

🎨 Art & Architecture Enthusiasts

This is a must-visit for anyone interested in urban art, public installations, and the legacy of visionary architects like Tony Garnier. The murals offer a unique interpretation of his architectural concepts, bringing his designs to life in a tangible way. Take your time to study the details, understand the context of each artwork, and appreciate how it integrates with the surrounding buildings. Consider researching Tony Garnier's work beforehand to deepen your appreciation. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Tony Garnier's Architectural Legacy

Tony Garnier (1869-1948) was a visionary French architect and urban planner whose ideas profoundly influenced modern architecture. His most famous work, the Cité Industrielle (Industrial City), was a utopian urban project that proposed a city designed for efficiency, health, and social well-being. This project, though never fully realized, laid the groundwork for many of his later concepts, including the integration of green spaces, functional zoning, and monumental public buildings. His designs often featured a distinctive blend of classical proportions with modern materials and forms.

The Musée Urbain Tony Garnier in Lyon is a testament to his enduring influence. The murals adorning the buildings in the 8th arrondissement are not mere decorations; they are visual interpretations of Garnier's urban planning principles and architectural sketches. These artworks aim to bring his forward-thinking ideas about urban living and public spaces to a wider audience, transforming a residential neighborhood into an open-air gallery. The project celebrates his legacy by making his architectural visions accessible to everyone, right on the streets of Lyon.

Visitors can expect to see representations of Garnier's iconic structures, such as the Stade de Gerland (which is actually located nearby and was designed by Garnier), and elements from his Cité Industrielle. The murals often highlight his emphasis on light, air, and open spaces, reflecting a holistic approach to urban design that prioritized human needs. Exploring this 'urban museum' offers a unique perspective on how architectural ideas can be translated into public art and inspire contemporary urban development. Reddit

Experiencing the Urban Art

The Musée Urbain Tony Garnier offers a unique way to engage with art and architecture. Unlike a traditional museum, the exhibits are integrated into the fabric of a living neighborhood. This means you'll be walking through residential streets, encountering the murals on the sides of apartment buildings. It's an immersive experience that encourages exploration and discovery. Many visitors find it rewarding to stumble upon a particularly striking mural unexpectedly.

To make the most of your visit, comfortable walking shoes are a must. The murals are spread out, and you'll likely cover a good amount of ground. Consider downloading a map of the area or using a navigation app to help you locate the key artworks. Some reviews suggest that directional signage could be improved, so being prepared with your own navigation tools is advisable. The experience is enhanced by observing how the art interacts with its surroundings – the balconies, windows, and everyday life of the residents.

Photography is a major draw for many visitors. The vibrant colors and large scale of the murals make for striking images. Early morning or late afternoon light can offer the best conditions for capturing the artwork. Remember to be respectful of the residents; while the art is public, it's part of their homes. This 'living museum' concept provides a fresh perspective on public art and urban planning, making it a memorable and engaging experience for art lovers and curious travelers alike. TikTokReddit

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