Institut d'art contemporain de Villeurbanne

About the museum

The institution was founded in 1978 as the Nouveau Musée, an art centre set up by Jean Louis Maubant with no premises and no collection, inspired by New York’s New Museum. In 1982 the State created the network of Regional Contemporary Art Funds (Fonds régionaux d’art contemporain, or Frac); the Frac Rhône-Alpes was initially based in Lyon. The same year, the Nouveau Musée moved into a former school at 11 rue Docteur Dolard in Villeurbanne, made available by the mayor of the time, Charles Hernu.

The building was renovated in 1992, with new exhibition rooms and a glass façade. In 1998 the Nouveau Musée and the Frac Rhône-Alpes merged to form the Institut d’art contemporain. The on-site exhibition space covers 1,200 m².

The Institute defines itself as a tool for creation, experimentation and research in contemporary art. It combines on-site exhibitions and encounters with the building up of a collection, which it lends beyond its walls in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, across France and internationally. It also publishes artists’ multiples. Nathalie Ergino directed it from 2006 to 2024; Isabelle Reiher succeeded her in 2026.

Highlights

• On-site contemporary art exhibitions across 1,200 m²
• Frac Rhône-Alpes collection shown off-site
• Artists’ editions
• Specialist bookshop and reading room
• Guided tours at weekends

Founded

1978

Director

Isabelle Reiher

Admission & discounts

During the exhibition “Jeune création internationale” at the 18th Lyon Biennale (September 19 to December 13, 2026), the rates page lists only Biennale passes. These passes are not sold at the IAC box office but online and through partners. The IAC’s annual passes are not valid during this exhibition, and their validity is extended by an equivalent period. The IAC also accepts the Pass’Région and the Pass Culture.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance has two ramps for wheelchair users, and all spaces are accessible to wheelchair users. Sign-language (LSF) tours are scheduled from time to time.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family visits from age 6, with a route adapted to the exhibition followed by a workshop for children and adults; materials provided, registration required. Workshops for ages 5–7 and 7–10.

Getting there & parking

Vélo’v bike stations: 10073 (Institut d’art contemporain), 10025 (Totem), 3101 (Patinoire Baraban) and 3021 (Place de la Ferrandière).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Specialist bookshop for contemporary art, shop with exclusive creations, documentation space linked to the current exhibition, and a café corner run with partners.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Over 700 m², including a glass roof (verrière), an auditorium with 120 seats and two gardens of about 160 m² each. Meetings, conferences, receptions, evening events, filming and private visits with a mediator, during or between exhibitions. Tailor-made packages with caterer, photographer, security and sound system depending on the option chosen.

Plan your visit