“Sentimental Museum” Exhibition in Lyon: All You Need to Know
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is preparing to host a major exhibition, “Sentimental Museum,” co-organized with the Centre Pompidou. Running from September 11, 2026, to March 14, 2027, this unique event delves into the artistic practice of collecting and how personal objects transform into powerful vessels of memory and emotion. This practical guide provides all essential details for your visit.
What is the “Sentimental Museum” Exhibition About?
This collective exhibition brings together modern and contemporary works from the collections of three major public institutions: the Lyon Art Museums Pole, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Centre Pompidou. It showcases the collecting practices of some sixty artists and collectives from the 20th and 21st centuries, revealing diverse and often singular approaches to how objects are accumulated and displayed.
Key Themes and Artists:
- Historical Context: The exhibition opens with an exploration of the historical roots of the “sentimental museum” concept, featuring figures like Alexandre Lenoir (who transformed religious statues into a museum based on sentiment) and Daniel Spoerri, whose own “Sentimental Museum” was presented at the Centre Pompidou in 1977.
- Artistic Creation Through Collection: Discover how artists integrate object collection into their creative processes through various methods: assemblage, accumulation, proliferation, and display in showcases, boxes, and bags.
- Emblematic Works: Highlights include two rarely loaned pieces from the Centre Pompidou:
- Le Magasin de Ben (Ben’s Shop, 1958-1973): A “total art center” and evolving sculpture by Ben Vautier, characterized by an accumulation of writings and diverse objects.
- Le Mur de l’atelier d’André Breton (The Wall of André Breton’s Studio, 1922-1966): A faithful reconstruction of the poet’s arrangement of Oceanic and pre-Columbian objects, masks, popular items, stones, and roots.
Exhibition Dates and Opening Hours
The exhibition runs from September 11, 2026, to March 14, 2027.
Standard Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays and public holidays
Note: It is always recommended to check the museum’s official website for any last-minute changes to opening hours or special closures.
Location and Access
The exhibition is held at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.
- Address: 20 Place des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
How to Get There:
- Metro: Line A (Cordeliers station) or Line C (Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel station)
- Bus: Numerous lines serve the Hôtel de Ville/Terreaux area (check TCL website for details)
- Parking: Several paid parking lots are available nearby (e.g., Parc Terreaux, Parc Saint-Antoine).
Ticket Prices
Admission to the “Sentimental Museum” exhibition is as follows:
- Full Price: 14 €
- Reduced Price: 8 € (upon presentation of a TCL subscription card or POP’ card)
Note: Additional discounts may be available for students, seniors, or other categories. Please consult the museum’s website for the most up-to-date pricing and eligibility for reduced rates.
Accessibility Information
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is committed to making the exhibition accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Available Tools and Services:
- Hearing Impairment: Audio guides with magnetic loops, visioguide in French Sign Language (LSF).
- Cognitive Impairment: Guide in FALC (Easy to Read and Understand French).
- Motor Impairment: The museum is generally accessible, with lifts and ramps where needed.
- Visual Impairment: Tactile maps and audio description tracks are available.
For specific needs or to arrange assistance, it is advisable to contact the museum in advance.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, you can contact the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon:
- Phone: +33 4 72 10 17 40
- Website: www.mba-lyon.fr/fr
Co-Curators
The exhibition is co-curated by a distinguished team:
- Sophie Duplaix: Curator at Centre Pompidou
- Sylvie Ramond: General Director of the Lyon Art Museums Pole
- Isabelle Bertolotti: Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Lyon
This collaboration between major French cultural institutions promises a rich and insightful experience for art enthusiasts in Lyon and beyond.
Source: jds.fr