Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization, Lyon (must see)

The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization in Lyon is dedicated to showcasing ancient artifacts from the region's rich archaeological heritage. Initially, these valuable artifacts were displayed in the Saint Peter's Palace (Palais de Saint Pierre). However, in 1957, they were relocated to a modest building, where they remained relatively obscure until the construction of the current museum. Architect Zehrfuss took on the project, culminating in the museum's opening in 1975. Since 1991, the Rhône District Council has overseen its operations.

Strategically situated on the site of an ancient Roman theater, the museum is architecturally and symbolically aligned with its contents. The internal layout is split into three distinct areas: permanent exhibitions, research facilities, and workshops.

The exhibition space, comprising half of the museum's floor area, is ingeniously organized into 17 thematic rooms. Each room is centered around a key artifact, with accompanying items that collectively narrate the history and culture of the period. These displays range from inscriptions and mosaics to ceramics, glassware, jewelry, and sarcophagi, covering a timeline from 43 BC to the early Christian era. The artifacts, predominantly sourced from the Rhône, Ain, and Isere departments, weave an intricate story of life in ancient Lyon, once the capital of Gaul, and its surrounding areas.

The other half of the museum is dedicated to administrative functions, workshops, and an extensive research and reference library. This library, notable for its comprehensive collection, is accessible to the public, offering an invaluable resource for both casual visitors and serious scholars. The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization thus serves not only as a guardian of history but also as a vibrant center for ongoing research and education in the field of Gallo-Roman studies.