Chaplin's World

About the museum

Charlie Chaplin bought the Manoir de Ban estate above Lake Geneva on 31 December 1952 and moved in with his wife Oona and their children in January 1953. He lived here until his death in 1977. The neoclassical manor house had been built in 1840 to plans by the architect Philippe Franel.

The idea of a Chaplin museum emerged around the year 2000. After an investor acquired the estate in 2008, construction began in 2013; the operating company now belongs to Grévin, a subsidiary of Compagnie des Alpes. Chaplin’s World opened on 17 April 2016.

The museum consists of two parts: in the Manoir de Ban, reception rooms, bedrooms and the library display family photos, letters and personal belongings. In a new building, the Studio, sets for films such as “The Kid”, “Modern Times” and “The Great Dictator” lead through Chaplin’s work over about 1,350 square metres, all the way to Hollywood Boulevard. The four-hectare park with views of the lake and the Alps is freely accessible all year round; there is also a shop and a restaurant.

Highlights

• Chaplin’s home Manoir de Ban with personal belongings
• Studio with walk-in film sets covering 1,350 square metres
• Four-hectare park with views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, freely accessible
• Interactive stations on Chaplin’s film technique and comedy
• Information panels in German, French and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Das Manoir – Chaplin’s home with reception rooms, bedrooms and library shows the private Chaplin through family photos, letters and personal belongings.
• Das Studio – Over 1,350 square metres, walk-in, interactive sets lead through films such as “The Kid”, “Modern Times” and “The Great Dictator” to Hollywood Boulevard.

Founded

2016

Operated by

Chaplin’s World (Grévin / Compagnie des Alpes)

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the Manoir and Studio together; online they are cheaper than at the ticket office (online rates “from”, reduced when booked at least two days in advance). The park is free all year round. Combination tickets with Fort de Chillon and Alimentarium (from CHF 24) are available. Reka cheques and the ICOM card are not accepted according to the FAQ; payment only in Swiss francs, euro notes are given change in francs.

Accessibility

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

Lifts in the Manoir and the Studio, outdoor terrace at the Manoir, sturdy non-slip floors; 5 percent gradient at the entrance, in the cinema and in the Studio, fine gravel in the park and in places a gradient of over 10 percent in the gravel car park. Wheelchairs on request and subject to availability (ID as deposit). Tours in French Sign Language by advance booking only, silent films and information panels for the hearing impaired. No Braille, some Studio areas are dimly lit; objects to touch. Disabled parking spaces directly at the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

According to the website, the museum is suitable for all age groups. Children under 6 enter free, and there is a family ticket (2 adults with children). The Studio is interactive and playful with moving sets; in the park children can run freely. Baby-changing facilities in the toilets at the entrance and in the restaurant.

Getting there & parking

By car about five minutes from the A9 Vevey exit.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers: not available
• Wi-Fi

Restaurant with a small menu (indoors and on the terrace), café “Tramp Café”, shop in the former garage; shared, unsupervised luggage storage, no lockers; free Wi-Fi in the shop and at the entrance to the Manoir. Free picnic area (3 places) near car park no. 3, no picnicking in the park. No ATM on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Nine rooms in the Manoir, Studio, park and restaurant, such as the Peristyle (140 m², up to 80 people standing) or the dining room (12 people seated); exclusive opening outside opening hours on request.

Plan your visit