Lyon in the rain: Musée des Confluences or Musée de l'Illusion?
4 min read
The answer first
Pick the Musée des Confluences for a long, quiet visit, and the Musée de l’Illusion for a short, playful one with children.
Musée des Confluences
Where: 86 Quai Perrache, at the point where the Rhône and the Saône meet. The ticket (€14, 4.5/5 from 437 reviews) is a fast-track entry with access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions and free lockers. The booking page lists wheelchair access and describes four permanent themes: Origins, Species, Societies and Eternity, plus a mammoth skeleton, Egyptian mummies and fossils. According to the museum itself, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 to 18:30 during term time and in summer, and every day, Mondays included, during the other school holidays of zone A. On the first Thursday of the month it stays open until 22:00, and it is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Two things to know before you pay:
- The ticket is non-refundable.
- Some visitors enter free with valid ID: under-18s, apprentices, civic service volunteers, students under 26, recipients of social benefits and visitors with disabilities (plus one companion). The page says these tickets are issued at the museum, not on GetYourGuide, so do not buy one in advance if you qualify. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, and guests under 13 must be accompanied.
Musée de l’Illusion
Where: 1 Rue Bellecordière, in the Presqu’île. One hour, a ticket of €19 (4.0/5 from 1,256 reviews), listed as wheelchair accessible (confirm with the museum before you go). The page promises optical illusions, holograms and puzzles, and photo spots where you appear to float or shrink. Food and drinks are not allowed inside. One reviewer calls it brilliant for children; another found it short for the price. Treat it as a one-hour stop, not a day out.
Side by side
| Musée des Confluences | Musée de l’Illusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | at your own pace | 1 hour |
| Cancellation | non-refundable | free up to 24 hours before |
| Price per person | €14 | €19 |
| Good for | adults, science, longer visits | children, photos |
Not for you if
- You want a guided experience: both are self-paced.
- You need a refund option: the first ticket is non-refundable.
- You plan several museums: the City Card covers 26 museums including the Musée des Confluences, per its booking page; see the bus and City Card guide.
Our recommendation
For most people on a wet day: the Musée des Confluences. Take the Musée de l’Illusion for a short stop with children. More options: museums and indoor activities in Lyon, or a boat trip once it clears.
