The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de Lyon occupies the building at 14 Avenue Berthelot in Lyon's 7th arrondissement, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, that served as the regional Gestapo headquarters during the German occupation of 1942–1944. It was in this building that Klaus Barbie, the SS Hauptsturmführer known as the 'Butcher of Lyon', directed the arrest, torture, and deportation of thousands of Jews and Résistance members. The museum presents the history of the French Résistance in the Rhône-Alpes region alongside the history of the deportation of Jewish communities from Lyon during the occupation. Permanent galleries cover the organisation of the Résistance network, the activities of key figures including Jean Moulin (the national Résistance coordinator, whose arrest and torture in Lyon in 1943 made him a martyr), the mechanics of the deportation system, and the fate of deportees in the Nazi concentration camp network. The exhibits include documents, photographs, personal objects, and testimonies. The building's lower floors, which functioned as a detention centre, are preserved and accessible as part of the museum visit. The museum requires approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for a thoughtful visit. It is a sobering and essential memorial, particularly for those visiting Lyon with an interest in 20th-century European history.
Good to know
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00; Mon–Tue closed
- Best time
- Weekday mornings when the museum is quietest; allow ample time — the exhibits are extensive
Location
14 Avenue Berthelot, 69007 Lyon, France
45.7448, 4.8418 View on map
Highlights
- The former Gestapo headquarters in Lyon — the site of Résistance arrests under Klaus Barbie
- Jean Moulin exhibition: the story of France's national Résistance coordinator arrested and killed in Lyon in 1943
- Preserved lower floors of the detention centre where arrested Résistance members and Jews were held
- Extensive documentation of the deportation of Lyon's Jewish community to Nazi concentration camps
- Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
Tips for visiting
- Allow at least 2–2.5 hours — the exhibits are extensive and the subject matter requires time for reflection.
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest conditions; the museum can be emotionally intense in crowded conditions.
- Audio guides are available and add significant context to the documents and personal testimonies.
- The museum is on Metro Line B (Jean Macé station, 5 minutes walk) and Tram T2 (Berthelot stop).
- The first Sunday of each month is free entry — arrive before opening to avoid queues on these days.
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest and most reflective conditions. The museum is a year-round destination not dependent on weather. The first Sunday of each month is free but draws larger visitor numbers.
Accessibility
The museum building has lift access between floors, making the main galleries accessible to wheelchair users. The former detention area in the lower floors may have limited accessibility in some sections — contact the museum in advance to confirm current access arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Musée de la Résistance take?
A thorough visit to the permanent galleries takes 2–2.5 hours. The detention area in the lower floors adds 20–30 minutes. Allow at least 2.5 hours for a complete visit.
Is the museum suitable for children?
The museum is most appropriate for children aged 12 and above. The subject matter — wartime arrests, torture, and deportation — is sobering. The museum provides educational resources for school groups.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted. Photography of specific documents or personal testimonies may be restricted — follow signage within each gallery.