The Christmas school holidays present an opportune moment for Lyonnais to immerse themselves in the city’s diverse cultural offerings. Lyon’s museums are showcasing a rich and varied program, providing excellent opportunities to discover new perspectives and experiences as the new year approaches.
Featured Exhibitions Across Lyon:
“Étretat, Beyond the Cliffs” at the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
The Museum of Fine Arts is hosting “Étretat, Beyond the Cliffs” until March 1, 2026. This exhibition features works by renowned painters such as Courbet, Monet, and Matisse, highlighting their fascination with the Norman cliffs. An immersive 3D experience at the entrance allows visitors to explore this now fragile and protected site. The museum is located at 20 place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, and is open from Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays and public holidays. Tickets can be purchased online.
“Lyon, Dream City” at the Jean Couty Museum
Visitors have until January 18, 2026, to experience “Lyon, Dream City” at the Jean Couty Museum. This exhibition brings together over a hundred works by fifty figurative Lyonnais artists from the 20th century to the present day, offering an ode to the city, from Place Bellecour to the banks of the Saône. The museum, located at 1 place Henri-Barbusse Saint-Rambert, l’île Barbe 69009 Lyon, is open on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and from Friday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
“C’est Canon! Art Among the Romans” at the Lugdunum Museum
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Lugdunum Museum presents “C’est Canon! Art Among the Romans” until June 7, 2026. This exhibition explores the role of art in ancient Roman society through a hundred exceptional works, some on loan from the Vatican and the Naples Museum. The experience concludes with an immersive digital animation bringing the Odeon to life in the 2nd century. The museum is situated at 17 rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, and operates from Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Special hours apply on December 24 and 31, with closures on December 25 and January 1.
“Wonderful Middle Ages” at the Gadagne Museum
The Gadagne Museum invites visitors to a “Wonderful Middle Ages” exhibition until November 1, 2026. Focusing on the Abbey of Île Barbe, the exhibition displays artifacts from recent excavations and explores medieval legends related to King Arthur and Charlemagne. This family-friendly activity includes references to the film Kaamelott. Located at 1 place du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, the museum will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on December 24 and 31, and until 6:00 PM from January 2. It will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
Immersive “Titanic” Exhibition at La Sucrière
Since September 30, La Sucrière has continued to captivate with its immersive “Titanic” exhibition. Visitors can delve into the luxurious atmosphere of the ocean liner through cabin reconstructions, the grand staircase, and a virtual reality experience of the shipwreck site. The exhibition is located at 49-50 Quai Rambaud, 69002 Lyon, and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), closed on December 25 and January 1. The visit duration is 60 to 90 minutes, with tickets starting from 19.90 euros, available for online reservation.
“Zombies, Origins” at the Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences delves into the sacred with “Zombies, Origins” until August 16, 2026. This exhibition traces the African and Haitian roots of the zombie figure, moving beyond its modern cinematic portrayal, by showcasing rare objects linked to the practice of “zombification” in Voodoo. Another notable exhibition at the museum is “Too Strong!”, which explores the adaptive capabilities of animals living in hostile environments, running until October 2026. The museum, located at 86 quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, will be open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM during the holidays (until 5:30 PM on December 24 and 31), and from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM outside of school holidays. It will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Admission fees are up to 12 euros, with online booking available.
Additionally, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Lyon (Maclyon) has planned a special program of visits for the holiday period.
Source: [mesinfos.fr](https://mesinfos.fr/69000-lyon/les-expositions-a-ne-pas-manquer-a-lyon-pendant-les-vacances-de-noel-236636.html), [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-cette-nouvelle-exposition-monstrueuse-cartonne-au-musee-des-confluences_63349076.html), [jds.fr](https://www.jds.fr/lyon/musee/musee-des-confluences-14788_L), [lyon.evous.fr](https://lyon.evous.fr/musees/musee-des-confluences.html), [visiterlyon.com](https://www.visiterlyon.com/decouvrir/sites-et-monuments/contemporain/musee-des-confluences)
