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Origin and history

The Gadagne Museums of Lyon occupy a 15th and 16th century mansion, the Gadagne Hotel, located in the Saint-Jean district of Old Lyon. This building, originally owned by the families of Albant and Pierrevive, was transformed by the brothers Pierrevive in the early 16th century. Rented in 1538 by the merchant-banker Thomas II of Gadagne, he became a symbol of Florentine wealth in Lyon, before being redeemed in 1545 by his sons, William and Thomas III, who led a fascinating life there.

The hotel was fragmented in the 18th century before being partially saved by the city of Lyon in 1902. Ranked a historic monument in 1920, in 1921 it housed a museum dedicated to the history of Lyon, enriched by collections such as Sébastien-Louis Rosaz (10,000 objects) or the bequest François Morel. In 1950, he added the Museum of Puppet Arts, centered around Guignol, an iconic Lyon puppet.

Between 1998 and 2009, the Hôtel de Gadagne underwent a major restoration led by Didier Repellin, doubling its useful surface area to 6,300 m2. The museum reopened in 2009 with two permanent routes: one on the history of Lyon (30 rooms), the other on the puppets of the world. Since 2019, the Museum of History of Lyon (MHL) has modernised its course in four stages, integrating themes such as industry, rivers, and citizen engagements, despite criticism of its approach deemed too militant.

The Museum of the Puppet Arts (MAM), renewed in 2022 with the permanent exhibition Virevolte, highlights 110 new pieces and contemporary artists. A room, Carte Blanche, is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, such as the one dedicated in 2023 to Michaël Meschke. The collections have more than 2,000 puppets, decors and accessories, complemented by filmed archives and educational workshops.

The Gadagne Hotel illustrates the Renaissance architecture of Lyon, with a majestic courtyard, superimposed galleries and a hanging garden. Its restoration preserved the historical elements (wells, facades) while integrating contemporary extensions in concrete and glass. The site, managed by 50 employees with a budget of €3 million, attracts its dual heritage: a heritage setting and an innovative cultural venue.

Recent controversies concern the redesign of the MHL, accused by Le Figaro of being "ultra-politicized", while Lyon Capitale welcomes its innovative approach. The museum defends an educational bias to reach a wider audience, beyond lovers of traditional history. The collections, enriched since 1921, cover archaeology, decorative arts, and ethnology, with pieces such as Justin Godart's objects or Masonic archives.

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