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France/Things to Do in Lyon, solo trip

Musee des Arts de la Marionnette (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Musee des Arts de la Marionnette?

79%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 79% Solo-Friendly: Permanent and temporary puppet exhibits, English signage and free mediator sessions keep a solo traveller absorbed for 1–2 hours at a fair price, though the collection is small if you want a full-day outing.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 1,650 reviews)

Positives:

  • Hands-on exhibits: Interactive play zones let you touch, move and operate puppets.
  • Solo-friendly tours: Free public tours and small-group sessions make it easy to join others.

Challenges:

  • Limited English signage: Exhibit labels and some tours are primarily in French.
  • Fixed show times: Plan your visit around the puppet show schedule to avoid missing it.
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🏖️ Explore Musee des Arts de la Marionnette with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Musee des Arts de la Marionnette. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Musee des Arts de la Marionnette?

  • A puppetry museum in a restored Renaissance mansion in Lyon’s Vieux Lyon quarter
  • A national collection dedicated to the art of marionettes, comprising over 300 puppets, costumes and stage designs
  • Exhibition halls featuring historic artifacts, handcrafted figures and multimedia presentations on the history and techniques of puppet theatre

What is so special about Musee des Arts de la Marionnette for solo trip?

  1. Immerse yourself in 300+ puppets and multimedia displays
  2. Join free and low-cost guided tours tailored for small groups
  3. Enjoy a solo evening at the "Chez moi" puppet performance
  4. Take hands-on control in interactive play areas
  5. Relax solo on the rooftop café terrace between sessions

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for a self-guided visit, a guided tour, and the evening puppet show.

(View Musee des Arts de la Marionnette on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Musee des Arts de la Marionnette

Explore 10 immersive rooms:

Wander through galleries displaying over 300 puppets, costumes and video clips.

Tip: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter rooms and more space at hands-on play areas.

Join the free "Elles-ils sont là pour vous" tour:

Watch a museum mediator demonstrate puppet techniques up close.

Tip: Runs Saturdays at 15:00 and Wed/Thu 14:00–17:30. Check times and sign up early at reception.

Book the small-group "Les arts de la marionnette" tour:

Dive into puppet history and crafting techniques with a mediator.

Tip: Costs €2–3 extra. Reserve on site or by phone; groups of 2–9 can join public slots.

Attend the "Chez moi" puppet show:

Enjoy a 40-minute sensory object theatre performance.

Tip: Buy your €8 show ticket early. It grants free museum entry before or after on the same day.

Relax at Café Gadagne’s roof garden:

Sip coffee or try seasonal dishes with views over Lyon.

Tip: Open Wed–Sun 10:30–17:30. Order by 14:00 to avoid busy lunchtime service.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Musee des Arts de la Marionnette

  1. Combine show and visit: See the puppet show to get free re-entry and extend your time in the museum.
  2. Book tours in advance: Reserve small-group tours by phone or at reception to secure your spot.
  3. Start at the top: Begin on the upper floor to follow a logical path and avoid backtracking.
🏖️ Tour Musee des Arts de la Marionnette like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Musee des Arts de la Marionnette. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Musee des Arts de la Marionnette

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Damian Bonner

Damian Bonner

Nov 2025

So got in free with Lyon card, was not disappointed at all. Started the tour in like basement and then moved our way around. Thought came to the end and thinking was not worth it until we found the lift went to roof gsrden had walk and a beer and came down explored and playef dressing up and with the puppets, two adults slipping back into childhood. Loved the puppets. The musem goes from the sto...

Nasim Naderi

Nasim Naderi

Oct 2025

Liked the museum, especially that it was free (weekend), some arts are absolutely phenomenal.

Brianna Cassidy

Brianna Cassidy

Mar 2025

The people here are lovely, but the quality of the exhibit made me giggle. 8x10 paper posted to the walls for descriptions, 20 yr old toys (Toy Story) in display cases and a very difficult to navigate (but cute) building. Spend your time looking at all the other beautiful sites of Lyon… this isn’t your spot if you’re looking to see beautiful marionettes or pictures/relics from Lyon’s past (aside f...

LS Sheldon

LS Sheldon

Aug 2024

I felt like such a kid in this museum! It was lots of fun to see the oldest puppets in the museum all the way up to much more current and contemporary puppets. I enjoyed watching the children in the museum interact with the puppets. There are several marionettes that you can try out – – this is the best part of the museum for me. Maybe I have found a new passion? Manipulating The Mary Onettes is c...

Yazen

Yazen

Mar 2024

Amazing Museum shows the history of puppetry (Marionette) in general and also in relation to locality, eg the famous Guignol from Lyon. Before buying the ticket, we were assured that there is English language support, but - it turned out - that was mostly lacking, as everything was in French, bar some high level paragraphs in English. It would have been really beneficial to add English language! N...

When is the best time to visit Musee des Arts de la Marionnette (Lyon, France)?

Visit in spring or fall to enjoy milder weather, quieter galleries and the café terrace.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Lyon on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Museum entry ticketEUR 9
Small-group guided tourEUR 3
"Chez moi" puppet showEUR 8
Coffee or snack at caféEUR 5
Total EstimatedEUR 25

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Musee des Arts de la Marionnette

Address: 1 Pl. du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, France

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About Musee des Arts de la Marionnette

Opening Hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:10:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+33 4 78 42 03 61

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