Musée des Confluences
86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
Noémie ERB plans to do
Summary
The Musée des Confluences, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, France, is a unique blend of a science centre and anthropology museum. Opened in December 2014, it is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, forming part of a larger redevelopment project of the Confluence quarter of Lyon. The museum's striking deconstructivist architecture, resembling a floating crystal cloud, was designed by Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. The museum houses collections from the fields of natural science, anthropology, and Earth Sciences, supplemented by arts and crafts exhibitions. It features four major exhibitions: "Origins - Stories of the World", "Species — the Web of life", "Societies — Human theatre," and "Eternities — Visions of the beyond". These exhibitions explore a range of topics from the Big Bang theory and evolution to human societies and the concept of eternity. The museum spans an area of 22,000 m2, with 6,500 m2 dedicated to exhibitions. It also includes nine concurrent exhibitions, four discovery spaces, and two auditoriums. Despite a controversial final cost nearing €300 million, the Musée des Confluences offers a unique and enriching experience for all visitors.
Community Reviews
Visitors generally appreciate the museum's temporary and permanent exhibitions, highlighting their educational value and visual appeal. The thematic organization of the permanent exhibits, such as human origins and societal developments, is well-received. However, some feel that certain topics, like death and cultural beliefs, are not explored deeply enough, leaving a sense of incompleteness. The architecture of the museum itself also garners praise, though a few visitors feel the content does not always match the impressive setting.
👍 Stunning architecture and visually rich exhibitions.
👎 Some topics may feel underexplored.
