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.
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.
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.

Damian Bonner
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
Liked the museum, especially that it was free (weekend), some arts are absolutely phenomenal.
Brianna Cassidy
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
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
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...
Visit in spring or fall to enjoy milder weather, quieter galleries and the café terrace.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Museum entry ticket | EUR 9 |
| Small-group guided tour | EUR 3 |
| "Chez moi" puppet show | EUR 8 |
| Coffee or snack at café | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 25 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 1 Pl. du Petit Collège, 69005 Lyon, France
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