Musée EDF Hydrélec

About the museum

The EDF Hydrélec Museum was created during the construction of the Grand’Maison hydroelectric scheme in the Oisans, in Isère, regarded as the cradle of hydroelectric power. It is part of the EDF Grand’Maison-Hydrélec site, which includes the Grand’Maison power station, the most powerful in France, and the dam viewpoint. It has carried the “Musée de France” label since 1988.

The museum holds nearly 450 collection objects, many of them unique in the world, which bring to life the industrial epic of hydroelectric power, from the control of water in antiquity to the first electrical inventions at the end of the 19th century and up to today.

The route unfolds over three levels: the Pyramide du temps, the equipment room with its water wheels, turbines, valves and generators, and the machine hall, which places visitors in the heart of a power station. Teaching modules, models and multimedia installations complete the visit.

Highlights

• Nearly 450 collection objects on the history of hydroelectric power
• Equipment room with water wheels, turbines, valves and generators
• Machine hall recreating the atmosphere of a power station
• Free admission and audio guides in French, English and Dutch
• Dam viewpoint at Grand’Maison, open free of charge in spring and summer

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes du Musée EDF Hydrélec – Three levels: the Pyramide du temps, the equipment room (wheels, turbines, valves, generators) and the machine hall of a hydroelectric power station.

Operated by

EDF

Visitors per year

approx. 13,804

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free, and no booking is required during opening hours.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

According to the museum, it is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: a parking space is located next to the entrance, and a lift serves the lower level.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Route du Lac, at the locality of Le Verney. Road access is via the Col du Glandon (1,924 m) or the Col de la Croix de Fer (2,064 m). A map of access routes can be downloaded from the EDF website.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit