Musée suisse du cheval
The only Swiss museum devoted to the horse shows carriages, saddles, crafts and military history in the old castle barn of La Sarraz.
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About the museum
The idea of a Swiss horse museum arose shortly after the Swiss Army's cavalry was abolished in 1972. The supporting association was founded in 1978, and the museum opened four years later, in 1982. To this day it is the only museum in the country devoted to the horse in all its aspects, and it displays its collections in the former barn of La Sarraz Castle.
The tour is divided into eight themed areas: from the evolutionary history of the horse and its life and depiction in art to the army, sport and leisure. Further rooms are devoted to the horse on the farm, the age of the stagecoach, and a “round of trades” around the farrier, wheelwright and saddler.
In 1986 the museum received the international “Museum of the Year” award, which is presented under the patronage of the Council of Europe. Alongside the permanent exhibition, changing art exhibitions, conferences and workshops bring the museum to life; every year the traditional Horse Festival takes place in the castle park.
Highlights
- The only museum in Switzerland devoted entirely to the horse
- Eight themed rooms from the evolution of the horse to the stagecoach era
- Exhibition in the former barn of La Sarraz Castle
- Awarded “Museum of the Year” in 1986
- Workshops for children, including a farrier workshop
Permanent exhibitions
- Le cheval dans l’armée – The room shows the role of the horse in armies: military bridles, uniforms of Switzerland's mounted troops, their weapons and dragoon memorabilia.
- Le temps des diligences – Stagecoaches and other horse-drawn vehicles recall the era when horses carried passenger and mail traffic.
- La ronde des métiers – Reconstructed workshops show horse-related trades such as farrier, wheelwright and saddler.
- Founded
- 1978
- Operated by
- Association du Musée suisse du cheval
- Director
- Isabelle Drux
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8Senior citizens (AHV), disability pension recipients (IV), unemployed people and students (with proof) |
| Children & teens | CHF 5free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 16; under 6 free |
| Seniors | CHF 8AHV pension recipients (with proof) |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 8IV pension recipients (with proof) |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8with proof |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Guided tour for groups of 10 or more: base fee CHF 180 for 10 people, each additional person CHF 8 |
| Families | CHF 252 adults and 1 to 3 children |
| Domaine Pass Horse Museum + Château de La Sarraz (aged 16 and over) | CHF 21two museums with one ticket |
| Domaine Pass – senior citizens (AHV), IV, unemployed, students | CHF 14 |
| Domaine Pass – children aged 6 to 16 | CHF 10 |
| Domaine Pass – family (2 adults + 1 to 3 children) | CHF 46 |
| Attending conferences – adults | CHF 15Couple CHF 20, children CHF 5; members: adults CHF 10, couple CHF 15, children free |
Children under 6 are free. Some of the municipalities in the museum association distribute tickets to their residents.
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 states that access is available for people with reduced mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | CHF 25 · 2 adults and 1 to 3 children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Creative workshops for children and adults, a farrier workshop (also part of the holiday pass programme) and children's birthday parties with a birthday package.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop; light refreshments are available on site during conferences and festivals.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The collections can be explored freely on your own. Guided tours are available on request from the curator (groups of 10 or more). |
