Permanent Exhibitions Hall

Overview

Nestled at the dramatic confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, France, the Musée des Confluences is more than just a museum; it is a striking architectural marvel that serves as a 21st-century cabinet of curiosities. Its ‘Permanent Exhibitions Hall’ offers an expansive journey across 3,000 square meters, inviting visitors to ponder universal questions about humanity, life, and our place in the cosmos. This unique institution brings together the sciences to understand the history of life and humanity, blending natural science, anthropology, and Earth sciences into a coherent narrative.

The museum's mission is to tell the story of humankind from its origins, exploring evolution, dreams, and the profound questions societies have asked across time and space. The permanent circuit is thoughtfully divided into four distinct exhibitions: 'Origins – Stories of the World,' 'Species – the Web of Life,' 'Societies – Human Theatre,' and 'Eternities – Visions of the Beyond.' Together, these sections create an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the rich tapestry of cultures and civilizations.

History & Cultural Background

The Musée des Confluences, inaugurated on December 20, 2014, inherited its vast and diverse collections from several historical Lyonnaise institutions. Its lineage traces back to the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Lyon and the Musée Guimet, both of which contributed immensely to its current holdings. The collections expanded further with artifacts from the colonial museum of Lyon, established in 1927, and thousands of objects—masks, sculptures, and ritual items—from Catholic missions in 1979.

This rich historical background allows the museum to present an incredible array of approximately 2.2 million objects, making it a major repository for French public collections across natural sciences, human sciences, and science and technology. The museum was conceived to bridge disciplines, offering multiple perspectives to enrich the complex meanings and histories attached to its objects. This commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and the convergence of knowledge is reflected in its very name, celebrating the literal and metaphorical 'confluence' of ideas.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the ‘Permanent Exhibitions Hall’ apart is its ambitious scope and unique approach to knowledge. Instead of rigid disciplinary boundaries, the museum fosters a conversation between different fields of study, from paleontology to ethnography, from astrophysics to sociology.

• 'Origins – Stories of the World': This exhibition delves into the fundamental question of where we come from. It transports visitors through time, from the Big Bang to the appearance of life and humans, juxtaposing scientific explanations with cultural narratives of creation. You'll encounter fossilized evidence and ethnographic pieces that highlight humanity's perpetual quest to understand its beginnings.
• 'Species – the Web of Life': Here, the focus shifts to our place within the living world. It explores the intricate connections between humans and other species, examining evolution and biodiversity. Through scientific classification and symbolic representations, it encourages reflection on Homo sapiens' unique characteristics and our impact on the planet.
• 'Societies – Human Theatre': This section questions how humans organize themselves. It showcases the evolution of social structures, cultures, and knowledge, highlighting themes of organization, exchange, and creation across diverse civilizations. Visitors can see how different societies have solved common problems, from tools to cultural expressions.
• 'Eternities – Visions of the Beyond': The final exhibition tackles the profound subject of death and the afterlife. It examines how various cultures throughout history have perceived and dealt with mortality, presenting diverse funerary practices and beliefs, from ancient Egyptian traditions to contemporary perspectives. It invites contemplation on universal human questions about destiny and meaning.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The museum's deconstructivist architectural design, resembling a 'floating crystal cloud' of stainless steel and glass, is a story in itself. Designed by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, it visually embodies the institution's commitment to an 'open and unstable' architecture, a 'functional sculpture' situated at a significant geographical point. The building is divided into striking elements like 'The Crystal,' a transparent entrance hall, and 'The Cloud,' housing the exhibition spaces.

Among the countless treasures, you might find yourself captivated by a 150-million-year-old Camarasaurus skeleton, or the famous Choulans mammoth. The museum also boasts one of the largest collections of animal mummies outside of Egypt, with nearly 2,500 specimens. These artifacts are not just objects; they are storytellers that help articulate humanity's shared past and diverse cultural expressions. The arrangement encourages a free-flowing exploration, allowing visitors to make their own connections and discoveries.

Visitor Perspective

A visit to the Musée des Confluences’ permanent exhibitions is designed to be an immersive and reflective experience. The vast, light-filled spaces and interactive displays encourage curiosity and engagement, inviting visitors to delve into complex subjects at their own pace. The museum aims to be a public space that provides access to the knowledge of our age, rather than an exclusive 'temple of the Muses.' It prompts visitors to consider their own place in the grand narrative of life and humanity, fostering a sense of wonder and intellectual stimulation. Whether you're drawn to the marvels of natural history, the intricacies of human cultures, or the philosophical depths of existence, these exhibitions offer a journey that is both educational and deeply moving.