Musée paysan et artisanal

About the museum

The house of the Musée paysan et artisanal goes back at least to 1612; archival records even attest a dwelling on the site as early as 1541. The property changed hands several times until 1960; from 1962 the farm stood empty and fell into disrepair. In 1963 committed citizens around the grammar school director André Tissot founded the ASPAM association to protect the farmhouses of the Neuchâtel mountains. The demolition permit was withdrawn the same year, and restoration dragged on into the 1970s.

The museum officially opened on September 4, 1971; since then a foundation has run the house. The first curators were enthusiasts of old houses and customs; since 1990 the museum has been run professionally. The site comprises three buildings: the main house, a stone granary behind it, and the Ferme de la Combeta from the late 17th century, which is rented out for celebrations. The Swiss Confederation classified the complex as a building of national significance.

The collection has been built up since 1966, initially through purchases and today almost exclusively through donations. It comprises over 15,000 objects: farm tools and vehicles from the time before motorization, tools for leather, metal and woodworking, and everyday objects such as crockery, clothing, furniture and toys. The museum sees itself as a regional eco-museum in a town whose watchmaking architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it was in farmhouses like these that the Neuchâtel watch industry began.

Highlights

• Farmhouse from at least 1612, classified as a building of national significance
• Kitchen with a pyramid-shaped chimney and bread oven
• Paneled parlor with tiled stove and alcove, where lace was also made on bobbins
• Watchmaker's workroom with workbench, cradle of the Neuchâtel watch industry
• Over 15,000 collection objects, from farm tools to toys
• Labels in three languages (French, German, English)

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung: Wohnwelt einer Bauernfamilie – The route leads through a kitchen with fireplace and bread oven, paneled parlors with tiled stoves and the watchmaker's workroom; fire and wood shape the atmosphere of the house, and trilingual panels explain the rooms.

Founded

1971

Operated by

Stiftung des Musée paysan et artisanal (Fondation)

Director

Diane Skartsounis

Admission & discounts

School classes from the canton of Neuchâtel are free, accompanying adults CHF 6; pupils from outside the canton CHF 1 outside opening hours. Free admission with the Raiffeisen card, the Swiss Museum Pass, the Carte des Musées neuchâtelois (CHF 40, AHV and students CHF 20) and the "Vignette 20 ans 100 francs", each not valid outside regular opening hours. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Euros and bank cards are accepted.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children, even very small ones, are welcome. During the Easter holidays there are animals on the farm, a search for hidden chicks and rabbits, workshops on Wednesdays and a daily carrot hunt. Family activities take place on Museum Night and Museum Day; at year-end there is a Christmas exhibition, Saint Nicholas and the Christmas Woman. A rally through the exhibition is available all year round, and children's birthday parties can be booked.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the southwest of the town, in the industrial zone; by car follow the brown signs for "Musée paysan et artisanal". On foot from La Chaux-de-Fonds station it takes 20 to 30 minutes (lift at the end of the platform, then keep straight ahead to the west).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with regional products (honey, jams, syrup, soaps, lace goods, games), also available by order; goûter and apéro by reservation.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The Ferme de la Combeta (late 17th century) is rented out for celebrations with family and friends; reservations by email or at +41 32 913 78 46.

Plan your visit