Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière — Attraction in Lyon

The Gallo-Roman Museum in Lyon-Fourvière is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Spread across several floors, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Lyon’s Roman past, with exhibits showcasing everything from intricate mosaics and sculptures, to ancient coins and weapons. The highlight is undoubtedly the restored 2nd-century theater, which is still used for concerts and events today. The museum also offers guided tours and workshops for children. Overall, a fascinating and well-curated insight into Lyon’s rich heritage. France was an important part of the Roman Empire, known as Gaul at the time. Julius Caesar conquered Gaul in 58-50 BCE, and it became a key territory of the empire until the collapse of Roman influence in the 5th century CE. Many Roman ruins can be found throughout France, including the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct and the amphitheater in Nimes. The Romans left a lasting impact on French culture, including the use of Latin in language and law, and the development of a centralized government system. The Roman Empire had a significant presence in Lyon, which was known as Lugdunum during Roman times. Lyon was the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis and served as an important political, economic, and cultural center. It became a major hub for trade and had several Roman structures, including a theater, amphitheater, and aqueduct. Lyon continued to thrive even after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and played a crucial role in the Middle Ages and beyond. Today, traces of its Roman past can still be seen in the city's architecture and...

A must if in Lyon, even if high on the hills. The museum is beautiful by itself, all architecture enthusiasts should visit. Amazing historical objects! This collections are reasonably well organized and extremely adapted to children in the cutest way possible. Unfortunately, only accessible in English for Adults, while the games for children are all in French. Museum has some accessibility: touch figurines, ramps and elevator. If in hold of a City Card (2023) it’s a guarantee of free pass. My complains are about the not so warm reception with tourists - the classical French stereotype of dismay. Also the very few working hours, which are also typical for France. Ten minutes before the closing it’s announced on the speaker that you should start going to the nearest exit, however, in my case, minutes before the time, the main exit was already closed and the other ones very hard to locate, since the attendants insist on speak French even when they know English it’s a bit hard to ask for help. However, it’s still a must visit if you go to the ruins of the theater cos of the beautiful models and explanations they have for what the place looked like...

This is a large and some what somber (not in a bad way, more in a reverential way). There are two entrances...one at the top of (and starting point) which is accessed near the Basilica and the other at the bottom which is accessed via the Odeon (outdoor theatre)...but the actual museum starts at the top and then snakes its way down, so it is well organized and paced.

As you'd expect, the museum focuses on Lyons origins as a Roman settlement and growth into the capitol of Gaul during the period of the Empire. If you are into Roman history then it is certainly worth the visit. The only downside is that it can be somewhat repetitive as a lot of the artefacts are similar.

TIME: About 1 hour

NOTE: The best way to get to the museum from Vieux Lyon is via the funiculaire station that is just across from the Lyon Cathedral (station = Vieux Lyon/Cathedrale St. Jean). There are two options...one towards Minimes Theatres Romain (which is best to visit the Gallo-Roman Musuem) or Fourviere (which is best for visiting the Basilica but can also be used to get to the Gallo-Roman). The cost is Euro 2.50

If visiting, then make time to check out the...