Maison d’Ailleurs

About the museum

The museum goes back to the passion of Pierre Versins. Born in Strasbourg in 1923, Versins survived deportation to a concentration camp and came to Switzerland in 1952. During his convalescence he discovered the science fiction literature then flourishing. In 1957 he founded the Club Futopia and published the magazine "Ailleurs". Over the years he gathered books and objects on the subject.

In 1967 he contributed 2,210 pieces from his private collection to the science fiction exhibition organised by Harald Szeemann at the Kunsthalle Bern. The collection served him above all as a working tool for his "Encyclopédie de l'utopie, des voyages extraordinaires et de la science-fiction", which was published in Lausanne in 1972.

In 1976 Versins opened the Maison d'Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains. It brought together around 50,000 books and objects that had been accumulated over about 25 years. In 1988 the friends' association AMDA was formed, which raises funds, adds to the collection and organises events. The museum is now run by a foundation.

The permanent presentation Espace Jules Verne shows old books and documents about Verne, his time and the literary prehistory of science fiction. There are also models of extraordinary vehicles, an interactive station and the world of the pulp magazines.

Highlights

• Collection on science fiction, utopia and extraordinary journeys with around 50,000 books and objects at its founding
• Permanent presentation Espace Jules Verne with old books, vehicle models and pulp magazines
• Escape room "K.R.A.K.E.N" aboard the Nautilus and role-playing offerings
• Changing exhibitions on comics and science fiction
• Combined ticket with the Château d'Yverdon

Permanent exhibition

• Espace Jules Verne – Old books and documents on Jules Verne and his literary milieu, models of extraordinary vehicles, interactive stations and a section on the pulp magazines of Anglo-Saxon science fiction.

Founded

1976

Admission & discounts

AMDA members have free admission with one companion or their family. School classes from Yverdon-les-Bains: compulsory schools free (CHF 50 outside opening hours), post-compulsory schools CHF 150 with a tour; classes from elsewhere CHF 190 (compulsory) or CHF 270 (post-compulsory schools), in each case including tour, admission and opening on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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 museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family activities, role-playing in the worlds of Jules Verne or H. P. Lovecraft, the escape scenario "K.R.A.K.E.N" for families (about one hour) and children's birthday parties in three versions (Chroniques extraordinaires, Studio BD, escape room); family ticket.

Getting there & parking

In the centre of the historic old town opposite the castle.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The fully equipped Espace Jules Verne can be hired for conferences and seminars; for companies there are also an escape room and role-playing games.

Plan your visit