Museum of the Confluences: Entrance

The Confluences Museum, located south of Lyon, represents much more than the meeting of the Rhone and Saône rivers: it is a space where art, science and knowledge converge. Inside, visitors can delve into the great questions of humanity and the natural world through exhibitions that connect disciplines such as paleontology, zoology, ethnography, archeology, mineralogy and science and technology. Among its highlights are Egyptian mummies, a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, unique fossils and a replica of Sputnik 2. In addition to its impressive collection, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece. Designed by the Coop Himmelb(l)au studio, its futuristic structure symbolizes exploration, wonder and the exchange of ideas, and is intended for audiences of all ages. The museum offers a unique experience that encourages dialogue between different branches of knowledge, providing a broad and connected view of the world. Its multidisciplinary approach is reflected especially in its four permanent exhibitions, which tell the story of humanity from different perspectives. "Origins: The Stories of the World" examines the emergence of life through fossils and cultural objects, raising universal questions about the origin of the world and our place in it. "Species: the web of life" explores the planet's biodiversity through striking zoological exhibits, inviting us to reflect on our position within the web of life, symbolically represented by a 27-kilometer web of thread. "Societies: the theater of man" traces the cultural evolution of humanity through time and space, using multimedia installations that bring to life past and distant civilizations. "Eternities: visions of the afterlife" analyzes how different cultures understand death and the rituals associated with it, from Native American animism to ancient Egyptian mummification. In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts temporary exhibits that continue to stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. The Museum of Confluences is a space dedicated to research, learning and understanding the world around us.