Temporary Galleries

Overview

Nestled at the dramatic confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Lyon, France, the Musée des Confluences stands as a striking testament to contemporary architecture and a hub for exploring the grand narrative of humanity and life. Beyond its permanent collections, a dynamic array of temporary galleries offers visitors ever-evolving perspectives on science, anthropology, and society. These rotating exhibitions are a cornerstone of the museum's mission, ensuring that every visit promises new discoveries and fresh insights into our world.

The museum's distinct design, often described as a 'floating crystal cloud' of stainless steel and glass, immediately captures attention, hinting at the innovative and thought-provoking experiences housed within. Within this architectural marvel, the temporary galleries provide flexible spaces, often referred to as 'black boxes,' that are constantly transformed to host diverse and engaging narratives. These adaptable environments allow for immersive storytelling and showcase a wide range of objects, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art installations, all contributing to the museum's expansive understanding of knowledge.

History & Cultural Background

The Musée des Confluences, which opened its doors on December 20, 2014, is the modern successor to Lyon's historical natural history and Guimet museums, inheriting millions of artifacts spanning five centuries of collection. This rich heritage forms the bedrock of its vast holdings, which include collections in natural science, human science, and science and technology.

Culturally, the museum is conceived as more than just a repository of objects; it's a 'gateway to the world, the universe, and knowledge in general,' fostering dialogue across various scientific disciplines to understand life and humanity. Its very location, at the geographic 'confluence' of two major rivers, symbolizes the museum's intellectual mission: the meeting and mixing of ideas, cultures, and scientific fields. The deconstructivist architecture by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au further reinforces this concept, with its 'Crystal' entrance representing the known world and the 'Cloud' housing the malleable, ever-changing knowledge of the future, where many temporary exhibitions reside.

What Makes It Special

The Temporary Galleries at the Musée des Confluences are particularly special due to their constant reinvention and broad thematic scope. Unlike static displays, these galleries present a 'constantly changing programme' of exhibitions, ensuring that the museum remains a vibrant and relevant cultural destination that encourages repeat visits.

They delve into universal questions concerning humanity's origins, its place in the living world, the diversity of cultures, and the future. By presenting '3 or 4 temporary exhibitions a year,' the museum offers fresh perspectives that complement its four foundational permanent exhibitions: 'Origins - Stories of the World,' 'Species - the Web of life,' 'Societies - Human theatre,' and 'Eternities - Visions of the beyond.' This approach allows the museum to stay at the forefront of contemporary discussions, exploring current societal issues through a multidisciplinary lens that bridges science, history, and art.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The temporary galleries have hosted an eclectic mix of themes, reflecting the museum's commitment to diverse storytelling. For instance, past and upcoming exhibitions have explored topics as varied as 'Zombies, the origins,' delving into the cultural history of these mythical figures, and 'North Korea by Stéphan Gladieu,' offering a photographic journey into a rarely seen society.

Another exhibition, 'Le temps d'un RÊVE' (Within the space of a dream), invites visitors to explore the mystery of dreams across cultures and through scientific lenses, from ancient Greek temples to neuroscience laboratories. The exhibition 'À NOS AMOURS' (All our loves) explores the multifaceted nature of love, from human attachment to animal behaviors, highlighting biological phenomena and cultural codes. These examples illustrate the museum's daring and engaging approach to its temporary programming, often presenting familiar concepts in entirely new and thought-provoking ways. The adaptable 'black-box' design of these spaces allows for truly unique scenographies, immersing visitors fully into each exhibition's world.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, the Temporary Galleries at the Musée des Confluences offer a compelling reason to visit Lyon and return repeatedly. Each exhibition is a self-contained journey, presenting meticulously curated objects and narratives that provoke thought and ignite imagination. The museum prides itself on being an open and accessible space, aiming to 'spur public curiosity' and make knowledge available to all.

Visitors can expect a stimulating experience, with exhibitions designed to be both educational and emotionally resonant. The Lyon City Card often includes access to the museum and its exhibitions, offering a practical benefit for those exploring the city. The dynamic nature of the temporary galleries means there is always something new to discover, inviting visitors to engage with the world's complexities and celebrate the 'human adventure' in all its forms.