Musée des sapeurs-pompiers Lyon-Rhône

About the museum

The museum opened in 1971 in the La Duchère premises, on the initiative of the head of the Lyon fire corps. Its first aim was to save obsolete vehicles from destruction; a team of enthusiastic firefighters brought them back to life. In 2005 the French Ministry of Culture granted it the “Musée de France” label, which guarantees the long-term preservation of the collections.

Since 2009 the museum has been run by the Comité d’action sociale et culturelle of the Rhône fire and rescue service, the owner of the collection. In the 2010s the museum opened up to all audiences, and the permanent gallery, unchanged for forty years, was entirely renovated.

The permanent display spreads over two floors and presents equipment, hand and steam pumps, helmets, uniforms and a gallery of five to ten vehicles that trace the history of firefighting since the Renaissance. Around 150 other vehicles are kept in separate storage and are visible only at major events.

Highlights

• Chronological route over two floors, from the Renaissance to today
• Historic hand and steam pumps
• Around 100 helmets and about 10 uniforms
• Gallery of historic fire engines
• Game booklets for children

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente du musée des sapeurs-pompiers – A chronological route with photographs, texts and videos presents equipment, helmets, uniforms and vehicles, and traces the history of the Lyon fire corps.

Founded

1971

Operated by

CASC du SDMIS du Rhône (association loi 1901)

Director

Géraldine Zamant

Visitors per year

approx. 11,828

Admission & discounts

Free admission or reduced rates also for recipients of minimum social benefits and holders of the Lyon City Card. Reduced rates and free admission are granted on presentation of proof and on an individual basis.

Accessibility

• Partially 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: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The museum is only partly accessible to wheelchair users: only the ground level, with the vehicles, is accessible. Visitors must contact the museum to have a ramp installed and to be guided at the entrance. An easy-to-read booklet (FALC) is available to download and at reception.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Activities during school holidays (family tours, workshops, puppet shows) and activities for children one Wednesday morning a month, by reservation. Game booklets at the entrance for €1 (ages 4–7 and 8–10). Birthday parties for 4 to 12 children aged 4 to 12: €50 for 4 to 7 children, €90 for 8 to 12 children.

Getting there & parking

The car park of the neighbouring Duchère fire station is reserved for emergency vehicles and must not be used.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit