With “An Evening with the Impressionists, Paris 1874”, Lyon offers a cultural experience that is as spectacular as it is educational. Located at ECLIPSO, a center specialized in virtual reality at Confluence, this 45-minute journey immerses you right in the heart of a pivotal moment in art history. Head straight to 19th-century Paris, with its smoky studios, bustling cafés full of ideas, and artists daring to challenge everything. Here, there are no silent museums or dusty labels: you experience the event from the inside, as if you were really there.
1874: when Monet, Renoir and Degas shook up the rules
The experience plunges you into the very first Impressionist exhibition, the one that changed everything.the destiny of modern art. At that time, these painters were still seen as outsiders, almost rebels against the very rigid official Salon. Thanks to virtual reality, you get to experience this mythical evening in Nadar's studio, where Monet, Renoir, Degas, and their friends decided to carve their own path. You can truly understand their doubts, their boldness, and above all, their incredible modernity.

Sunrise, Monet, Impressionists © Excurio - GEDEON Experiences - musée d’Orsay
Mythical places recreated to perfection
The virtual tour takes you through the iconic settings that shaped Impressionism. Stroll through the Island of the Grenouillère, watch the light dance on the Seine, explore the docks of Le Havre, and relive the creation of “Impression, Sunrise.” Each environment is recreated with remarkable precision, thanks to a partnership with the musée d’Orsay. The result: an experience that is authentic, immersive, and educational, allowing you to understand how these artists transformed painting by capturing the moment and light.

© Excurio Gedeon Experiences - Musée d'Orsay - Renoir and Monet paint along the banks of the Seine.
This artistic adventure comes to life at ECLIPSO Lyon, in a space entirely dedicated to immersive technologies. Equipped with a state-of-the-art VR headset, you are guided step by step through this historical recreation for 45 minutes. The ticket includes full access to the experience and the gear, offering you a ready-to-go dive into the impressionist universe. It’s a unique and exhilarating adventure perfect for art lovers, those curious about new experiences, or families looking for a fun outing in Lyon.

