Musée Gallo-Romain de Fourvière

Overview

The Musée Gallo-Romain (now part of the Lugdunum museum) is built directly into the hillside beside the Roman theatres, its concrete walls spiraling underground. The collection magnificently documents Lugdunum's status as the capital of Roman Gaul from the 1st century BC.

Highlights

• Claudius Tablet: A large bronze tablet bearing Emperor Claudius's speech to the Roman Senate in 48 AD, arguing that Gauls should be admitted to membership.
• Mosaic Collection: Stunning floor mosaics recovered from Roman villas across the Lyon region, including intricate chariot racing scenes.
• Scale Models: Detailed reconstructions showing how Lugdunum looked at its peak, with 50,000 inhabitants.

History

Designed by architect Bernard Zehrfuss and opened in 1975, the museum was deliberately built underground to preserve the archaeological landscape above. Its spiraling ramp descends five levels, with exhibition spaces opening onto views of the adjacent Roman theatres through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Visitor Tips

• Combined Visit: Pair with the Roman Theatres immediately outside for a complete Roman Lyon experience.
• The Architecture: The building itself is considered a significant work of Brutalist architecture.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.