Musée de l'aviation militaire de Payerne

About the museum

The museum goes back to the association "La Cinquième Escadrille", which former pilots of Fliegerstaffel 5 founded on 19 November 1994, when the Hawker Hunter was withdrawn from service with the Swiss Air Force. They collected documents, models and aircraft parts and in 1995 saved a Hunter from being scrapped. The restoration later progressed with the association Espace Passion.

On 10 March 1999 the squadron founded the foundation for the Payerne Military Aircraft Museum; the astronaut Claude Nicollier was president of the foundation until 2021 and is honorary president. Funding was sought from the end of 1998, the foundation stone was laid on 12 December 2001, and the name "Clin d'Ailes" was chosen in 2002. The museum was inaugurated on 25 April 2003.

In the years that followed, the collection grew to include jet fighters such as the Hunter, Mirage III and F-5E Tiger, trainer aircraft and helicopters; the exhibition halls were extended and supplemented with interactive areas. The museum is located on the edge of Payerne military airfield and sees itself as a bridge between the Air Force and the public. It is run by the foundation with many volunteers.

Highlights

• Around 15 aircraft and helicopters, including Hunter, Mirage III and F-5E Tiger
• Flight simulators and a missile-firing simulator for visitors
• Room dedicated to astronaut Claude Nicollier
• Free audio guides included in admission
• Payerne Space Days and cockpit experiences

Permanent exhibitions

• Flugzeugsammlung – On display are, among others, the Vampire, Venom, Hawker Hunter, Mirage III, F-5E Tiger, Hawk, PC-7, PC-9 as well as the Alouette II and III helicopters.
• Espace Claude Nicollier – This area is dedicated to the Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier, his training and his NASA missions, including work on the Hubble telescope.
• HB4FR – Patrimoine des communications – The exhibition shows the radio and communications heritage of the Air Force and the station of the museum's radio operators.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Fondation du Musée de l’aviation militaire de Payerne

Admission & discounts

According to the website, prices are indicative. Free admission for individuals with Raiffeisen Member Plus and the Swiss Museum Pass (not for guided visits). Further offer: Pass of the Museums of Payerne.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

According to the website, many exhibition areas are accessible at ground level.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

For young people there is a quiz with 20 questions, texts for children at the information columns, three PC flight simulators and a missile-firing simulator; family ticket, school class and holiday pass visits (from age 10) as well as workshops for children and schools on request.

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Route de la Petite Glâne 62, 1541 Morens.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, models and souvenirs; small café and rest area.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 65 guests.

Seminars, conferences and meetings among the aircraft: cafeteria with catering for up to 65 people, conference room with 40 to 60 seats; in December (museum closed) larger events are also possible.

Plan your visit