Hidden behind a discreet façade in the 3rd arrondissement, the Musée des Moulages is a true treasure for art and history lovers. Its incredible collection, originally intended for teaching the history of art and archaeology, has gradually transformed into a welcoming space open to everyone. Today, it showcases nearly 2000 plaster casts, life-size replicas of sculptural masterpieces from antiquity to the 19th century.
© Studio Erick Saillet
The permanent exhibition offers a fascinating journey where Greek gods, mythological figures, and remnants of ancient architecture intersect. Each room plunges visitors into a different universe: funerary art, monumental Gothic sculpture, or the evolution of the representation of the human body throughout the ages. Among the emblematic pieces, you can find the famous Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Laocoön group, and the Charioteer of Delphi, all masterpieces accessible without taking a flight.
A completely free and open-access museum
The medieval gallery stands out with its innovative project of adding color through a video-mapping system, offering a fresh perspective on Gothic sculpture. This initiative proves that this museum, while deeply rooted in the study of the past, knows how to play with modern techniques.
It's modern technologies to enhance the visitors' experience.
Another great perk: entry is completely free! Just swing by the museum on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. It’s an event you won’t want to miss for a journey through the history of art without leaving the city!
Address: 87 Gambetta Street, 69003 Lyon, France