Musée historique de Vevey

About the museum

The Musée historique de Vevey was founded in 1897 and collects, preserves and presents the heritage of the town and its surroundings. A rich collection has grown since its founding, part of which is shown on the second floor of the "Château", a 16th-century building formerly called "Belle-Maison".

The building went up during Bernese rule over the Vaud, on the site of a medieval fortified house; the date 1599 on a buttress probably marks the completion of the construction work. The de Tavel family sold it in 1734 to the Bernese authorities, who had their seat here until the Vaud Revolution of 1798. In the 19th century it was converted into a hotel and remained one until after World War II. Before it was demolished, a bank saved it; afterwards the Confrérie des Vignerons and the museum moved in. Since 1986 the house has belonged to the Confrérie, which in the 1990s had the large roof restored, among other work.

The route leads through eight halls: archaeology, medieval objects and manuscripts, paintings and prints, posters, photographs, plans, archives, silver, pewter, weights and measures, crafts and furniture. Particularly remarkable are the collection of keys, locks and chests assembled around 1900 by David Doret, and the paintings of François Aimé Louis Dumoulin (1753–1834).

Highlights

• Eight halls on the history of Vevey and its surroundings
• Doret key collection in its original display cases
• Paintings by François Aimé Louis Dumoulin (1753–1834)
• Archaeology, medieval manuscripts, posters and photographs
• Historic 16th-century Château ("Belle-Maison")

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Geschichte von Vevey – Across eight halls the museum shows archaeology, medieval objects, paintings, posters, photographs, silver and pewter, as well as the Doret key collection and the works of F. A. L. Dumoulin.

Founded

1897

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on the first weekend of every month

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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 is on the second floor of the Château, reached by two staircases of 25 steps each with handrails; inside, steps and thresholds separate the rooms, and chairs for resting are placed along the whole route. According to Procap's accessibility monitor, special tours are offered for blind and visually impaired guests.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family workshops during the annual "En famille aux musées" weekend in the Riviera museums (early November, registration required); young people up to 18 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Take the Vevey motorway exit and follow the signs. The museum is on the second floor of the Château, Rue du Château 2; the Musée de la Confrérie des Vignerons is on the first floor.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The Brasserie de la Confrérie with a garden terrace by the lake is in the same building. The museum sells publications, posters and reproductions.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit