
Before the advent of CGI in filmmaking, creators had to get inventive to bring scenes to life. Skilled miniaturists were enlisted to craft remarkably detailed sets that far surpassed even the most elaborate dollhouses. These hyperrealistic models, typically built at one-twelfth scale, were packed with astonishingly tiny components. The attention to detail was critical; every scene needed to appear as lifelike as possible, down to the dirty windows, layers of dust, and graffiti-strewn walls, ensuring the audience never realized they weren’t looking at a full-sized set.
You can explore these remarkable miniatures at the Musée Miniature et Cinéma in Lyon, France, where over 100 sets are displayed across two floors. Among the collections is the extensive work of Dan Ohlmann, a former cabinetmaker who has spent over two decades creating miniature movie sets. Visitors can get a close-up view of the meticulous details in these tiny masterpieces.
"More than mere technical achievements, these creations are illusions in their own right. Their extraordinary realism stirs memories and evokes a unique sense of nostalgia," states their website.
Alan Wolfson, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Michel Perez, MMC LYON
Dan Ohlmann, MMC LYON
Laurie Courbier, MMC LYON
Ronan Jim Sevellec, MMC LYON
