Institut culturel du judaïsme
Center for discovering Judaism in Lyon, with an interactive tablet route, screens and virtual reality, next to the Néveh Chalom synagogue.
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About the museum
The Institut culturel du judaïsme opened in 2020 in Lyon, in the Maison du Consistoire next to the Néveh Chalom synagogue. The project was championed by Alain Sebban, president of the regional Consistory of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, who wanted to open the Jewish world to everyone, especially younger generations, in order to reduce prejudice.
Lyon architect Kevin Josserand designed a modern, light-filled space. The route, led by director Henri Fitouchi, alternates steles with ritual objects, screens and animations, and ends in a virtual reality room that recreates a Shabbat service at the Great Synagogue of Lyon.
The visit lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes and is organized around four themes: the history of the Jewish people, religion and practice, antisemitic prejudice, and the place of Jews in France. The Institute is accredited by the Académie de Lyon and also welcomes school classes and groups.
Highlights
- Route guided by an individual tablet and audio headset
- Virtual reality room: a Shabbat service at the Great Synagogue of Lyon
- Interactive steles with ritual objects
- Four themes: history, religion, antisemitic prejudice, the place of Jews in France
- Optional visit to the Néveh Chalom synagogue
- Founded
- 2020
- Director
- Henri Fitouchi
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Ambassadors, job seekers, students aged 18 to 24, people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 9 · Free for children under 10; €5 for teenagers under 18. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7companion free · With proof; the accompanying person enters free of charge. |
| Students & apprentices | €7Students aged 18 to 24. |
Free entry for holders of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region youth card (Pass'Région) and for eligible students with the Pass Culture. Schools and groups receive a guided visit by a mediator from the Institute and the Néveh Chalom synagogue.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Institute is a public building that meets current standards: step-free access, elevators, a fully wheelchair-accessible route and reserved parking nearby. Visit materials are available in large print and Braille on request, and the audio volume is adjustable. A simplified route is available for visitors with cognitive disabilities, and the mediation team offers enhanced support.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 10+
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 9 |
- Hands-on stations
The route is designed for younger generations from age 10, with immersive videos and fun quizzes. Classes from the end of primary school to the final year of secondary school (Terminale) are welcomed in small groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Garibaldi (métro D) · 3-min walk
Metro line D: Saxe-Gambetta and Garibaldi stations. Bus C25 and C7: Garibaldi-Gambetta stop; bus C11: Abondance stop.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
The Institute has no parking of its own; there are spaces on the nearby streets, rue Alphonse Daudet and rue Rachais.
- Accessible parking
The main entrance is through the large gate at 317 rue Duguesclin; an intercom allows the security officer to welcome you.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Non-alcoholic drinks are allowed only in the reception hall and the lounge area; food and drinks are prohibited in the exhibition rooms.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography without flash, in permitted areas only. |
| Good to know | Each visitor receives a tablet and audio headset at reception and follows the route at their own pace. A mediator may accompany the visit as an option. The site accommodates a maximum of 30 people at the same time. A visit to the Néveh Chalom synagogue with a mediator is possible as a supplement. House rules are set out in the visitors' charter. |
