The venue was originally a cinema called the Théâtre du 8ème before being converted into a dance-dedicated space in 1980.
It is one of the only cultural institutions in Europe with a mission solely centered on the promotion and development of dance.
The institution maintains a significant digital archive of dance history available for public researchers.
The Ateliers de la Danse venue occupies the building of the former Musée Guimet, a historic natural history museum.
Maison de la danse is a premier European venue exclusively dedicated to dance, located in the 8th arrondissement of Lyon. The center serves as a major international platform for contemporary, classical, and hip-hop choreography. It operates across two primary locations: the original theater on Avenue Jean Mermoz and the Ateliers de la Danse at the Musée Guimet site. The venue hosts an annual program featuring over 30 international dance companies. It focuses on multidisciplinary performance art, bridging the gap between professional stage productions and public engagement. The primary theater features an auditorium with over 1,000 seats designed specifically for optimal sightlines of floor-level choreography. It is recognized for its commitment to supporting emerging choreographers through workshops and residencies.
The modern, geometric facade of the main entrance on Avenue Jean Mermoz.
Book tickets well in advance as performances by renowned international companies frequently sell out.
Arrive early to browse the specialized dance book collection available in the foyer.
Check if your performance is held at the main Avenue Jean Mermoz location or the satellite Ateliers de la Danse site.
Do not arrive at the wrong location, as the venue currently operates split programming between its two sites.
The main season runs from early autumn to late spring; typically closed for performances during the height of the summer season.
Smart casual attire is standard for evening performances; avoid talking during the performance as the acoustics are highly sensitive.
