Musée du Bois d’Aubonne

About the museum

The Musée du Bois was created in 1974 in the middle of the Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne. At the time, the trees of the arboretum, founded in 1968, were still too young to attract many visitors; so the idea arose to set up a museum of tools and trades of wood and forest on the upper floor of the Plan farm. The aim was to preserve the traditional skills of the craftsmen and to honour their ingenuity.

Today the museum owns more than 6,000 pieces, of which around 1,500 are shown, in the permanent exhibition and in temporary exhibitions. It explores the relationship between people and trees, from knowledge of the plant to the processing of wood, and tells the history of the wood trades through tools, machines and objects.

The museum belongs to the arboretum, which is run by the Association de l’Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne (AAVA), while land and buildings belong to the FAVA foundation. Admission to the park includes a visit to the museum. The arboretum itself covers around 130 hectares with about 4,000 woody plants from the temperate zones of the world; it is unique in Switzerland and holds ArbNet Level III accreditation.

Highlights

• Collection of over 6,000 tools, machines and objects on wood trades
• Museum on the upper floor of the Plan farm, located in the arboretum
• Admission includes the arboretum park with around 4,000 woody plants
• Educational trail "La vie secrète du bois mort", suitable for strollers
• All-terrain electric wheelchair for hire for the park paths

Permanent exhibition

• Ständige Sammlung: Berufe von Holz und Wald – Tools, machines and objects tell of the crafts and techniques connected with forest and wood; around 1,500 of over 6,000 pieces are on display.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Association de l’Arboretum du Vallon de l’Aubonne (AAVA)

Admission & discounts

Admission (CHF 10) covers the arboretum park and the museum. AAVA members have free admission. Payment in cash or by Twint at the ticket points in the park, in cash or by card at reception.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Lift and toilet for people with reduced mobility. For the park paths, an all-terrain electric wheelchair can be rented at reception (three adapted routes of 0.9 to 3.3 km). Dogs must be kept on a leash in the park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

"Autour du Monde" rally from age 4 with a travel suitcase from reception (until 1 November 2026), nature and craft workshops on Wednesdays 2–3.30 pm and two educational trails; the "La vie secrète du bois mort" trail (under 1 km) is suitable for little legs, strollers, bikes and scooters.

Getting there & parking

By car, motorway exit Aubonne-Allaman, up to Aubonne and follow the "Arboretum" signs; further access routes via St-Livres, Bière and Montherod.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Buvette in the Arbr’espace (Tuesday to Sunday 10 am–5.30 pm, April to October) with drinks, ice cream, cake and hot dishes, run by volunteers. Shop with souvenirs, books and regional products.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

Fully equipped rooms for receptions and meetings for up to 120 people are available in the Arbr’espace.

Plan your visit