Musée de la Pipe et du Diamant de Saint-Claude

About the museum

The Musée de la Pipe et du Diamant was founded in 1966 in Saint-Claude, in the Haut-Jura. It is a private museum, created by the Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers and the Association des Diamantaires du Haut-Jura, which joined forces to tell the story of the two trades that made the town famous.

The first pipe makers appeared in Saint-Claude at the beginning of the 16th century. In the 1920s nearly five thousand people worked in the briar pipe factories, about a third of the population. Diamond and gemstone cutting developed thanks to the Geneva watchmaking industry, which from the 17th century sought skilled workers to cut the ruby bearings of watches. In the 19th century, diamond cutters from Antwerp also moved their activity to the Haut-Jura.

The visit presents, on one side, the tools, old machines and a rich collection of pipes from the Haut-Jura and from around the world. On the other side is a reconstructed workshop with automata, rough and cut stones, reproductions of famous diamonds and a documentary on cutting techniques.

Highlights

• Tools and old machines from pipe makers' workshops
• Collection of pipes from the Haut-Jura and around the world
• Chapter room of the Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers
• Reconstructed diamond cutter's workshop with automata
• Collection of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (lapidary work)
• Reproductions of famous diamonds

Permanent exhibitions

• Section Pipes – Tools, old machines and a collection of pipes from the Haut-Jura and the world, along with the brotherhood's chapter room.
• Section Diamants – Reconstructed workshop with automata, rough and cut stones, reproductions of famous diamonds and a documentary on cutting.

Founded

1966

Operated by

Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers et Association des Diamantaires du Haut-Jura de Saint-Claude

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The website mentions access for people with disabilities, without further details.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free mystery game for children aged 7 to 13.

Getting there & parking

The museum is near the cathedral of Saint-Claude. GPS coordinates given by the museum: 46°23'13.2"N 5°51'57.7"E.

Amenities & dining

Air-conditioned rooms.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit