The definitive museum of Roman Lyon, with the Table of Claudius — the bronze inscription of Emperor Claudius's speech to the Roman senate granting Gaul the right to hold office — as its centrepiece, alongside mosaics, glassware, and everyday objects from ancient Lugdunum.
The Musée Gallo-Romain de Lugdunum at 17 Rue Cléberg on the Fourvière hill in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is the definitive museum of Roman Lyon and one of the finest Gallo-Roman collections in France. The building itself is remarkable: designed by architect Bernard Zehrfuss and completed in 1975, it is buried into the hillside immediately adjacent to the Roman amphitheatre and Odeon on the Fourvière plateau. Only the roofline is visible above ground — a technically demanding piece of architecture that preserves the visual integrity of the ancient ruins while housing a major museum below them.
The founding centrepiece is the Table Claudienne, a large bronze tablet bearing the text of Emperor Claudius's speech to the Roman Senate in 48 CE, in which he argued for extending Roman citizenship and the right to hold senatorial office to the Gauls. Claudius was born in Lugdunum in 10 BCE, making him the first Roman emperor born outside Italy, and his speech — which the Senate adopted — was a decisive moment in the political integration of the Gallic provinces into Roman civic life. The original bronze tablets were discovered in Lyon in 1528 and have been a centrepiece of the city's Roman heritage ever since.
The permanent collection spans the full duration of Roman Lugdunum, from the colony's founding in 43 BCE by Lucius Munatius Plancus to the decline of urban structures in the late 4th and early 5th centuries CE. Lugdunum was capital of the province of Gallia Lugdunensis, a major administrative and commercial centre, and the collection reflects this civic importance: outstanding mosaics including the celebrated Circus Mosaic depicting a chariot race, imported glass vessels, bronze statuettes from religious contexts, funerary monuments, domestic pottery, and coin hoards.
The layout follows a broadly chronological descent through the hillside, with a glazed wall at the deepest level opening onto the excavated Roman theatre and Odeon above. Free entry on the first Sunday of each month makes the museum one of Lyon's most accessible cultural destinations.
Location
17 Rue Cléberg, 69005 Lyon
45.7617, 4.8232 View on map
Highlights
- The Table Claudienne — original 48 CE bronze tablets of Emperor Claudius's speech on Gallic citizenship
- The Circus Mosaic — a vivid depiction of Roman chariot racing from ancient Lugdunum
- Museum architecture by Bernard Zehrfuss, buried into the Fourvière hillside beside the Roman theatre
- Glazed wall at the lowest gallery level overlooking the excavated Roman amphitheatre and Odeon
- Free admission on the first Sunday of each month
Tips for visiting
- Combine the museum with the Roman theatre and Odeon directly above — both are free and complement the collection.
- First Sunday of the month means free entry — arrive early as the museum is popular on those days.
- The audio guide adds significant depth to the Table Claudienne section; the speech's historical stakes are not immediately obvious without context.
- The museum is largely underground and stays naturally cool — a good option during hot Lyon summers.
- The Fourvière hill affords panoramic views over Lyon; ascend via the funicular from Vieux-Lyon for the best approach.
Accessibility
The museum descends through the hillside via ramps and lifts, and is largely accessible to wheelchair users throughout the permanent galleries. The adjacent outdoor Roman theatre has uneven stone terrain; staff can advise on accessible viewing points.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Table Claudienne?
The Table Claudienne is a bronze inscription recording Emperor Claudius's 48 CE speech arguing for Gauls to be admitted to the Roman Senate. Claudius was born in Lugdunum (Lyon) in 10 BCE, and this speech was a pivotal moment in the integration of Gaul into Roman civic life.
Is the museum free?
Admission is €4.50 for adults. Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month. Students and visitors under 18 may qualify for reduced rates.
How long does a full visit take?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the permanent collection. Combining the museum with the adjacent outdoor Roman theatre and Odeon adds another 30 to 45 minutes.