Musée militaire vaudois
In the Savoyard castle of Morges, the museum presents Vaud military history, historic figurines, artillery, the gendarmerie and Swiss mercenary regiments.
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About the museum
The Château de Morges is a Savoyard fortress from the late 13th century, with which the House of Savoy secured the region against the prince-bishop of Lausanne. After Bern's conquest of Vaud in 1536 it served as the seat of the bailiff and was converted for artillery. In 1803 the new canton of Vaud made the castle an arsenal; until 1844 it was also a prison. In 1871 a serious explosion occurred here, with around twenty fatalities.
In 1925 the castle became a military museum, with the official inauguration following in 1932. Today the canton of Vaud runs it as "Château de Morges et ses musées"; it is one of the last museums in French-speaking Switzerland devoted to the art of war.
Under one roof, the classic square Savoyard building brings together several collections: Vaud military history from the Middle Ages to the Cold War with weapons and armour, the artillery museum with cannons, the collection of historic figurines in dioramas, the history of the Vaud gendarmerie, the room on the Swiss regiments in foreign service and an area on Ignacy Paderewski. In addition there are souvenirs of Major Davel as well as temporary exhibitions.
Highlights
- Vaud military history from the Middle Ages to the Cold War
- Historic figurines in dioramas of famous battles
- Artillery collection with cannons and models
- Room on Swiss regiments in foreign service
- Savoyard castle on Lake Geneva with a wall walk
Permanent exhibitions
- Histoire militaire vaudoise – Exceptional pieces show the development of warfare in the canton of Vaud from the Middle Ages to the Cold War.
- Petits soldats – Figurines historiques – Hand-painted tin figures in dioramas depict famous battles of world history, from the Berezina to the conquest of South America.
- Fidelitate et Honore – Schweizer Regimenter in fremden Diensten – The room tells of the service of Swiss mercenary troops at the great courts of Europe.
- Founded
- 1925
- Operated by
- Canton de Vaud – Service de la sécurité civile et militaire (SSCM)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8AHV, IV, students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission under 18. |
| Seniors | CHF 8AHV |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 8IV |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8 |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 8 per personFor 10 or more people, per person |
| Guided visit by reservation (up to 15 people per guide) | CHF 120Flat rate, admission tickets not included |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month
Military personnel on duty have free admission. Admission covers all collections in the castle.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- 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 castle has no lift and no access for people with reduced mobility; a wheelchair is available for guests who can climb the entrance steps.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children and young people under 18 have free admission. For families there is a detective game about the castle's history ("Mina le faucon raconte…", from age 8 or when accompanied, 45 to 60 minutes); popular with children are the figurines, weapons and armour, cannons and the wall walk. The castle takes part in children's programmes such as PâKOMUZé.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Morges, gare · 8-min walk
About an 8-minute walk from Morges station (SBB).
By car
Parking available
Parking Parc des sports.
Amenities & dining
According to the website, the castle's lakeside surroundings are suitable for a walk and a picnic.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours by reservation (flat rate CHF 120 for at most 15 people per guide); programmes for school classes. |
