Musée Alexis Forel

About the museum

The house that accommodates the museum belongs to the medieval urban fabric of Morges, which was founded in 1286. Rebuilt several times from the 16th century, it took shape in the mid-17th century as one of the region's important examples of classical architecture. Particularly worth seeing are the Renaissance hall with its 16th-century coffered ceiling and the Italianate galleries in the courtyard from 1670. In 1825 it became the seat of the local dairy cooperative, which damaged the building.

In 1918 the engraver and collector Alexis Forel (1852–1922) bought the house together with his wife Emmeline, a painter, to accommodate their collections and to leave it to the Société du Vieux-Morges, founded in 1915. The museum opened in 1920 and displayed the holdings in the atmosphere of a lived-in house. Emmeline Forel continued it after her husband's death and named it after him in 1943.

The collections comprise furniture, decorative arts, tapestries, glass and ceramics of the 16th to 19th centuries, over a thousand prints, works by painters from Morges and 120 Russian icons from the donation of Jean-Pierre Müller (2009). The Fondation du Musée Alexis Forel now supports the house and collections. According to the website, the collections are currently not on display and a new presentation concept is in preparation; the house opens during the exhibition season.

Highlights

• Monument of national significance in the pedestrian zone of Morges
• Renaissance hall with a 16th-century coffered ceiling (on guided tours)
• Italianate galleries in the inner courtyard from 1670
• House with a history as the residence of the collector couple Alexis and Emmeline Forel

Founded

1920

Operated by

Fondation du Musée Alexis Forel

Admission & discounts

Free: children up to 16 years as well as members of the Swiss Museums Association (VMS) and ICOM. Slow Pass: 50% discount on admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator
• 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

Multi-storey historic house with many levels; the lift is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children up to 16 years have free admission; workshops for children and families are offered alongside the exhibitions.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the pedestrian zone, about 400 metres from Morges station.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit