Imagine visiting Rome, Paris, Washington, or London without leaving the Lyon metropolitan area! In Sainte-Consorce, this charming museum takes you on a XXL journey through the greatest masterpieces of architecture from around the world, all hand-carved from wood. Right there, St. Peter's Square, the Capitol, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame come to life in a miniature format, but with absolutely stunning attention to detail. It's a truly unique museum near Lyon that reminds us that sometimes the biggest adventures begin… in a village.
Antoine Brun, the farmer who sculpted the whole world
Behind this treasure is a story worthy of a movie, filled with passion, determination, and quiet genius. Born in 1822 in Sainte-Consorce, Antoine Brun was the son of farmers, with no artistic training, no travel experiences, and no connections. But he had one obsession: wood. From 1840 to 1900, he worked tirelessly in his workshop, recreating monuments from around the world using engravings, encyclopedias, and illustrated newspapers. In an era without the Internet, Google Images, or YouTube, he relied solely on patience, talent, and a wild love for architecture.
The result: nearly 400 sculptures created throughout his life, all without ever leaving his hometown. An achievement that rivals the Ideal Palace of postman Cheval.
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A heritage saved from the ravages of time and the storms of History
After the death of Antoine Brun, his collection went through a tumultuous century. World wars, relocations, losses, and forgetfulness… Some of the artworks disappeared forever. But the essence endures. Today, 170 sculptures are preserved and displayed, forming a unique collection in France. Each piece tells not only the story of a monument… but also of a man who devoted his life to bringing them back to life in wood.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum plays the surprise card with a super fun temporary exhibition. Until July 17, come check out “Meccano,” a series of reassembled monuments this time made of metal bars. The Eiffel Tower, London Bridge, Notre-Dame, and the Great Wheel of Lyon take on a new dimension, mixing nostalgia and creativity. It’s a fascinating dialogue between the craftsmanship of the past and modern construction.
The cherry on top: this museum near Lyon offers low prices for a maximum experience (just €3 for entry). It's an affordable cultural outing that’s authentic and meaningful, supporting a committed local establishment.