Musée des beaux-arts de La Chaux-de-Fonds
Art museum in an Art Deco building of 1926 in La Chaux-de-Fonds with a collection of regional and contemporary art and changing exhibitions.
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About the museum
The museum goes back to the Société des Amis des Arts, founded more than 150 years ago to promote the artistic culture of the region and to support local industry through the purchase and exhibition of art. The collection began in 1864 with four purchased paintings.
The present building was inaugurated in 1926. It was designed by Charles L’Eplattenier and René Chapallaz and combines modernity and classicism; the colourful façade shows Art Deco influences, and above the entrance a relief, “Pégase ou Le Génie des Arts”, adorns the building. In 1993 Georges-Jacques Haefeli extended the building with an underground annex providing additional exhibition space, which blends in harmoniously.
The collection grew through exhibitions and significant gifts, including the donations of René and Madeleine Junod (1986), Olivier Mosset (2007) and Erwin Oberwiler (2017). It focuses on regional and contemporary artists. The museum presents thematic and monographic exhibitions as well as a biennial of contemporary art from the region, and is directed by David Lemaire as Conservateur-Directeur.
Highlights
- Art Deco building of 1926 by Charles L’Eplattenier and René Chapallaz
- Relief “Pégase ou Le Génie des Arts” at the entrance
- Collection of regional and contemporary art since 1864
- Underground annex of 1993
- Free workshops for children on second Saturdays
- Founded
- 1877
- Director
- David Lemaire
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8Students, unemployed people, pensioners and people with disabilities |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free for under 16s |
| Seniors | CHF 8 |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 8companion free · Accompanying person has free admission |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8Students; art students free |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 8 per personPer person for groups of 10 or more |
| Pass Musées La Chaux-de-Fonds – adults | CHF 20Valid for two consecutive days |
| Pass Musées La Chaux-de-Fonds – reduced | CHF 16 |
| Pass Musées La Chaux-de-Fonds – children aged 12 and over | CHF 9 |
| Pass Musées La Chaux-de-Fonds – family | CHF 39 |
| Guided tour (max. 20 people) | CHF 130Plus admission; outside opening hours CHF 200 |
Free admission: Free admission on Sundays 10 a.m.–12 noon
Free admission for, among others, members, holders of the Swiss Museum Pass or an ICOM/AMS card, and state school classes accompanied by teachers.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair access via a separate entrance (please register by telephone beforehand); pushchairs can be taken up by lift. Companions of people with disabilities have free admission.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Stroller-friendly
Discovery booklets, workshop visits for children and free workshops on second Saturdays; free admission for under 16s.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
La Chaux-de-Fonds (Gare CFF) · 5-min walk
The museum is in the city centre, about a 5-minute walk from La Chaux-de-Fonds railway station.
By car
Paid parking
Paid Métropole Centre car park nearby.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Private events with a guided tour are possible; details in a separate document on the website.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tour with commentary free of charge on the last Sunday of each month; private tours by appointment. Educational materials for schools are available. |
