Lumière Institute (Institut Lumière)

The Lumière Institute is a must-visit for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike, housed in the former Lumière family factory in the Monplaisir district of Lyon. This museum celebrates the groundbreaking work of Auguste and Louis Lumière, who invented the cinematograph and held the first public film screening in 1895. Visitors can explore a rich collection of early cameras, projectors, and photographs, as well as watch some of the brothers' earliest short films in a charming vintage cinema. The institute also hosts temporary exhibitions on cinema history and technology. The highlight is the beautifully preserved villa where the family lived, now part of the museum. The atmosphere is intimate and educational, offering a deep dive into the birth of motion pictures. The surrounding neighborhood, with its art deco architecture and the famous 'Halles de Lyon' market, adds to the experience.

Don't miss

• See the original Cinématographe camera and other early devices
• Watch Lumière brothers' short films in the cinema
• Explore the family villa and its period interiors
• Visit the temporary exhibition space
• Walk through the garden and see the factory buildings

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Lumière Institute (Institut Lumière)

Cheapest way inHighlights and Hidden Gems of Lyon Guided Walking Tour (English)4.9★ · 822 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →Most bookedVieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)4.9★ · 1,000 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleLyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories from the Past Private Guided Tour4.9★ · 156 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$76 per personSee dates →