Musée des Confluences, Lyon | France

What is known from the present meets what is to be explored for the future. The Musée des Confluences in Lyon is built to provide direct access to the knowledge of our time. It shouldn’t be understood as a rigid, exclusive place, but as a meeting place for the city – with active stimuli for how its premises are used. This can also be seen in the architecture of this futuristic new building. It consists of two architectural units, combined in a unique and complex way and located in a distinctive part of the city.

The distinctive construction site of the Musée des Confluences has inspired the design by the architects from Coop Himmelb(l)au. This is the point where the Rhône and Saône rivers flow together and form a special interface which is reflected in the architecture of the museum. A kind of glass crystal rises to a height of 41 metres towards the city side. The second architectural unit presents itself in the form of a cloud that aligns itself in the direction of the flowing waterways. Both parts define themselves with their own language of form. A loop, that can be used as a corridor over gangways and bridges, leads as a connecting element from the crystal to the end of the cloud.

The entrance and visitors’ centre of the Musée des Confluences is housed in a glazed crystal construction facing the city. This also prepares visitors architecturally for their museum experience, as the large, glazed surfaces are open and inviting and awaken curiosity. With its clear form and structure, the crystal symbolises the known world where we find ourselves every day. The cloud structure distinguishes itself by appearing to float – and is supported by several pillars. A soft, malleable space, open for new knowledge and stimuli. This part of the museum extends over three floors and houses several “black boxes”. These are spaces that can constantly change – just like the exhibitions themselves – and don’t let any daylight in. Three of the galleries have been planned for permanent exhibitions, seven others for temporary exhibitions.

The futuristic-looking appearance of the Musée des Confluences is also reflected in the interior of the building. All the rooms and spaces are fitted with the LS 990 classic design in pure stainless steel. This top-quality version, made of real metal, integrates seamlessly into this hybrid space of steel and glass.