The Musée Gadagne occupies the Hôtel de Gadagne, one of the finest Renaissance mansions in Vieux Lyon, built in the 15th and 16th centuries for the wealthy Florentine Gadagne banking family on the Place du Petit Collège in Lyon's 5th arrondissement, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The building is notable for its elegant internal courtyard with arcaded loggias and a well, restored after a major renovation completed in 2009 that transformed the complex into a dual-museum space. The Musée d'Histoire de Lyon traces the city's development from Roman Lugdunum through the Renaissance silk trade, the revolutions of the 18th century, and the industrial era, using maps, paintings, civic objects, and reconstructed interiors. The adjacent Musée des Marionnettes du Monde is one of the world's most comprehensive collections of puppetry, holding over 2,000 puppets from five continents, including the original Guignol puppet — Lyon's beloved satirical glove puppet character, created around 1808 by Laurent Mourguet, who used the character to comment on local politics and working-class life. The two museums are connected internally and share a courtyard café. Each museum takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour; visiting both together takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The building's Renaissance architecture — especially the courtyard staircase tower and carved stone details — is itself a reason to visit.
Good to know
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00; Mon–Tue closed
- Best time
- Wednesday or Thursday mornings for minimal crowds in this Renaissance mansion
Location
1 Place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, France
45.7620, 4.8275 View on map
Highlights
- One of Vieux Lyon's finest Renaissance mansions with a restored arcaded courtyard and loggia
- Musée d'Histoire de Lyon: the city's development from Roman Lugdunum to the industrial age
- Musée des Marionnettes du Monde: over 2,000 puppets from five continents
- Original Guignol puppet — Lyon's satirical glove puppet character created c.1808 by Laurent Mourguet
- Courtyard café in the Renaissance courtyard — accessible without a museum ticket
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a Wednesday or Thursday morning for the quietest gallery conditions — weekend afternoons draw larger groups.
- The courtyard café is accessible without a museum ticket and is a pleasant stop during any Vieux Lyon walk.
- The combined ticket for both the history and puppet museums represents good value — each museum complements the other.
- Audio guides are available at the ticket desk and provide useful context for the history museum galleries.
- The museum is a 5-minute walk from the Vieux-Lyon Cathédrale Saint-Jean Metro station on Line D.
When to visit
Wednesday and Thursday mornings offer the quietest visits. The museum is most atmospheric in the morning light, which illuminates the Renaissance courtyard staircase tower. Avoid Saturday afternoons when Vieux Lyon is at its busiest.
Accessibility
The Musée Gadagne has a lift connecting the museum floors, allowing wheelchair users to access most of the galleries. The courtyard has a level cobbled surface. Some upper-floor gallery rooms may have limited access — staff can advise on request. The entrance on Place du Petit Collège has a shallow ramp.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Musée Gadagne take?
Each museum — the history collection and the puppet collection — takes approximately 45–60 minutes. Visiting both together comfortably takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes — the puppet collection is particularly engaging for children, who respond enthusiastically to Guignol and the international puppet displays. The history museum is better suited to older children or adult visitors.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography without flash is generally permitted in both museum collections. The Renaissance courtyard and architectural features can be photographed freely.