Permanent Exhibitions Hall

Overview

The Permanent Exhibitions Hall within the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, France, offers a captivating journey through the grand narrative of humanity and the living world. Located on the second floor of the museum's striking deconstructivist building, this expansive space spans over 3,000 square meters, inviting visitors to explore profound questions about existence, origins, societies, and our place in the web of life.

Designed as a 'museum of knowledge' rather than merely a showcase, the permanent exhibitions are divided into four distinct themed rooms: 'Origines – Les récits du monde' (Origins – Stories of the World), 'Espèces – La maille du vivant' (Species – The Web of Life), 'Sociétés – Le théâtre des Hommes' (Societies – Human Theatre), and 'Éternités – Visions de l'au-delà' (Eternities – Visions of the Beyond). Each section combines natural science, anthropology, and human science collections, prompting curiosity and encouraging a deeper understanding of our world.

History & Cultural Background

The Musée des Confluences itself is a relatively new institution, opening its doors on December 20, 2014, but its collections boast a rich history spanning five centuries. It inherited a vast and diverse array of artifacts from the former Muséum d'histoire naturelle — Guimet and other Lyonnaise museums, accumulating over two million objects. These historical collections, encompassing natural sciences, ethnography, and arts and crafts, form the bedrock of the museum's ambitious project.

The museum's location at the literal confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers is highly symbolic. This geographical convergence inspired the museum's core mission: to explore the convergence of disciplines and ideas, bridging the past, present, and future, and fostering a dialogue between nature and culture. The architectural design by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, with its striking 'Crystal' and 'Cloud' forms, further embodies this concept of fluid transitions and the interplay between the known and the unknown.

What Makes It Special

The Permanent Exhibitions Hall stands out not only for the sheer breadth and depth of its collections but also for its innovative approach to storytelling. Instead of presenting objects in isolation, the museum weaves them into a cohesive narrative about the human adventure and our interaction with the environment. Visitors encounter a diverse range of exhibits, from dinosaurs and meteorites in 'Origines' to intricate Senufo sculptures and samurai armor in 'Sociétés,' and even Egyptian mummies in 'Éternités.'

The scenography within each hall is designed to be immersive and engaging, creating an atmosphere of discovery. The 'Cloud' structure, where the exhibitions are housed, was intentionally designed with flexible 'black box' spaces to allow for maximum adaptability in exhibition design, ensuring a dynamic visitor experience. The museum's philosophy is to stimulate public curiosity and provide access to the 'knowledge of our age,' making complex scientific and anthropological themes accessible and thought-provoking for a wide audience.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most impressive items visitors can encounter is the Choulans mammoth, a remarkable fossil that takes pride of place in the 'Origines' exhibition, offering a tangible link to prehistoric life. The museum's vast collection, totaling over 2.2 million objects, includes fascinating curiosities such as a mandibles of Homo Sapiens, a microscope by Huygens, and even a Sputnik satellite. These objects, often acquired through the passionate efforts of scholars and enthusiasts over centuries, reflect the evolving understanding of our world.

The architectural marvel itself offers a 'fun fact': the 'Crystal' represents the known and present, serving as a welcoming, transparent entrance, while the 'Cloud' symbolizes the unknown and the future, housing the unfolding narratives of the exhibitions. This deliberate symbolism enhances the visitor's intellectual journey even before entering the exhibition spaces. The museum's position on a man-made peninsula, where the two major rivers converge, offers unique panoramic views of Lyon and highlights the city's geographical and historical significance as a crossroads.

Visitor Perspective

Exploring the Permanent Exhibitions Hall is an immersive experience that can easily occupy several hours. With four distinct thematic areas, visitors are invited to choose their own pace and focus on the subjects that most intrigue them. The museum is particularly well-suited for families, with free admission for children, and the exhibits, such as the dinosaurs and the Choulans mammoth, are designed to captivate younger audiences.

The museum's overall design encourages a fluid movement between spaces, allowing for a continuous narrative flow. After delving into the profound stories within the halls, visitors can enjoy the spectacular views from the building, or stroll through the garden at the tip of the peninsula to reflect on their journey through time and knowledge. The Permanent Exhibitions Hall at the Musée des Confluences is not just a place to see artifacts; it is an invitation to engage with fundamental questions about humanity and the universe, leaving a lasting impression on every curious traveler.