So, as we were researching things to do in Lyon, we came across something called the Abode of Chaos.  With a name like that, you know we were immediately all in.

One of the many skulls at the Abode of Chaos.

After visiting, I still can’t really tell you what the Abode of Chaos is all about.  I can tell you where it is — about 10 km North of Lyon in a small, cozy little village called Saint Romain au Mont d’Or.  The bus ride there is stunningly beautiful as it follows the river.

Faces of various people, including Bernie Sanders.  I have no idea what, if anything, these people have in common.

I can tell you that the Abode of Chaos is often referred to as a contemporary art museum and that it contains thousands of works of art from several different artists.  I can tell you that the museum is supposed to reflect chaos and some say it is supposed to reflect a post-apocalyptic war zone.

More skulls, human and robot, and (maybe) monkey.

I can tell you it was the brainchild of someone named Thierry Erhmann, who is apparently a very successful business man in France and the CEO of multiple companies.

More faces at the Abode of Chaos.

I can tell you that the Abode of Chaos sits on the site of what was apparently once a pretty nice 17th Century villa.  I can tell you that the people of Saint Romain au Mont d’Or do not appreciate the Abode of Chaos and that Thierry Erhmann has been sued over and over and over again in an attempt to shut the Abode of Chaos down.

Another skull, reflecting in a pond, at the Abode of Chaos.

Apparently, as a result of one of the many lawsuits, Thierry Erhmann was ordered to dismantle the Abode of Chaos.  When he refused, he was ordered to pay a daily fine.  I doubt he paid it and, somehow, the museum is still open.  In fact, from what I understand, because of Thierry Erhmann and the Abode of Chaos, France enacted a law protecting artistic expression.

Art at the Abode of Chaos.

And, I can tell you the Abode of Chaos is only open on weekends and that admission is free and that you can take a city bus to get there.  And, I can tell you that you will leave confused but happy that you made the trip.