Musée Rousseau
The museum in Môtiers commemorates Rousseau's exile in the Val-de-Travers from 1762 to 1765 in two original living rooms; currently closed for renovation.
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About the museum
The museum is housed in a building whose core dates back to around 1500, making it the oldest known private house in the Val-de-Travers. Here Jean-Jacques Rousseau found refuge from July 1762 to September 1765, after his educational novel “Émile” was condemned in France and Geneva. In the valley he wrote some of his most famous works and rediscovered his passion for botany, until hostility forced him to flee once more. After his departure the house became a memorial site visited by many admirers; in the mid-19th century, however, half of it facing the Grand-Rue was demolished and rebuilt.
The Rousseau Association, founded in 1956, saved the two surviving rooms after the canton had partially restored the dilapidated building in 1968. On 31 May 1969 François Matthey opened the museum there, and he shaped it as curator for almost forty years. In 2012 the presentation was completely redesigned for the 300th anniversary of Rousseau's birth and the 250th anniversary of his arrival.
The collection mainly comprises engravings, pastels, watercolours, medals, sculptures and documents relating to Rousseau, his life in Môtiers and the Val-de-Travers of the 18th century; over 900 items can be viewed online. Since December 2025 the building has been undergoing extensive renovation, with reopening announced for 2027.
Highlights
- Two original living rooms of Rousseau and Thérèse Levasseur
- Permanent exhibition “Rousseau vallonnier” with eight stations
- Around 200 original documents, engravings and paintings relating to Rousseau
- Starting point of the marked Rousseau Promenade to the Môtiers waterfall
Permanent exhibition
- Rousseau vallonnier – In eight stations, the permanent tour uses engravings and objects to show the Val-de-Travers as Rousseau experienced it on his arrival, and the legacy of his stay.
- Founded
- 1969
- Operated by
- Association Jean-Jacques Rousseau (AJJR)
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are possible by reservation; the museum will offer them again after reopening. |
