The best museums Switzerland

The MCBA, formerly housed in the Palais Rumine, is a key element of Plateforme 10, alongside the mudac and Photo Élysées. The building, adorned with bricks evoking the site's industrial past, boasts forward-looking architecture. Inside, the large glass roof and spacious rooms set the tone: space is given over to light and new perspectives. On the second floor, a large bay window opens onto the lake.

"See here what you can't see anywhere else! The MCBA's collection is very rich and constantly rethinking itself. It brings together a large number of works from the Renaissance to the present day. Over the centuries, these works have been inspired by various currents (classicism, orientalism, impressionism, expressionism, informal art, etc.) and reflect the influences felt by Swiss artists during their travels. The museum brings together the various currents: religious paintings, portraits, exotic descriptions of travels, history, post-impressionism, symbolism, which we discover, among others, with Ferdinand Hodler and his superb paintings of Lake Geneva. Highlights include neo-classicism, academicism, realism, symbolism and post-impressionism; abstract painting in Europe and the United States; Swiss and international video art; new figuration; geometric abstraction and, across all periods, artistic practices reflecting political and social commitment. Other important monographic collections include works by Charles Gleyre, Félix Vallotton, Louis Soutter, Pierre Soulages and Giuseppe Penone. We have the pleasure of discovering sculptures by Rodin and Bourdelle, avant-garde paintings, works by Giacometti, Jean Dubuffet, Paul Klee and Louis Soutter, as well as the abstract expressionism of Cy Twombly, the pop art of the 1970s and the abstraction of the 1980s..

The MCBA is resolutely forward-looking, fascinating and constantly reinventing itself through its dynamic new temporary exhibitions, encounters between artists and the public, workshops and events. Guided tours, workshops for children, families and adults, or guided tours by the curators of temporary exhibitions: the museum team is constantly coming up with new ideas to involve the public of all ages and backgrounds, in an educational and inclusive perspective.

Monte Verità, set in the hills overlooking Ascona and Lake Maggiore, has always been a pole of attraction and convergence of ideas, trends, experiments and historic personalities. The alternative and vegetarian colony of the early ^20th century created the myth of Monte Verità, which soon became a meeting place for anarchists, philosophers and intellectuals. The Ascona hill was first home to a sanatorium, then an artists' community around the 1920s, before being purchased by Eduard von der Heydt, a German banker and art collector. It then became a modern hotel resort, welcoming celebrities from the worlds of art, politics and culture. On the Baron's death, it was ceded to the canton of Ticino. Today, it is a multi-purpose institution comprising a cultural and museum center, hotel, restaurant and conference center. The park features Casa Selma, a small air-light hut built in 1904 by the first settlers, and Casa Anatta. The Casa Anatta has been restored as a center for a wide variety of exhibitions on subjects such as utopia and the reform of the soul. The main building houses the exhibition "Monte Verità. Le mammelle della verità" by Harald Szeemann, which presents various aspects of the hill's history. The Padiglione Elisarion in the park houses the painting Chiaro mondo dei beati(Clear World of the Blessed), painted between 1919 and 1929 by Elisar von Kupffer, a painter, poet, historian and playwright from the Baltic nobility.

The zoo is home to 5,500 animals from all over the world, divided into 360 species, including the exotic fish aquarium. The zoo fulfils two functions: raising visitors' awareness of nature conservation and preserving endangered species through exchange programs with other zoos. Constantly evolving, the park has seen the opening of the Masoala rainforest (2003) before the construction of the elephant dome (2014) and the Mongolian steppe (2015). Construction work on Panterra, the feline facility, began in July 2023.

Here is a real exploration in the skin of a zoologist, a specialist of the sea bed, a botanist, a geologist... This excellent museum, with a very dynamic management, obtains all the suffrages with the children as with the adults. It is a real journey before time, one could almost say that the animals have a "second life" installed in the heart of their natural environment. Each floor has recreated a new climatic environment. The world of the savannah is in the background to highlight the elephants, giraffes, antelopes, gazelles and wildcats, so much so that one could almost believe they are still alive.

We pass successively from continent to continent, in tropical countries, from the equator to the arctic, desert or temperate worlds. One passes to the world of birds, to the underwater world, to the mineral world, from floor to floor, without forgetting the presentation of the famous Lucy and the two-headed turtle, the highlight of the museum. The museum regularly organizes very good temporary exhibitions on the scientific issues of the future, current topics, including the environment, as well as conferences on geosciences, fossils, dinosaurs, volcanoes, or guided tours with exciting themes. Regularly: "Ciné-samedi/ciné-dimanche", Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. Animations on Wednesdays from 2 to 4:30 pm. An excellent museum, therefore, of which the children do not get tired. We always go back there!

More than a chocolate museum, it's an immersion in the heart of a family saga, whose successive generations have handed down values of authenticity, innovation and sustainability, through their cult brands Ragusa and Torino. You'll get up close and personal with the company's history, its traditional brands and its modern production. Thanks to a discovery trail and workshops, the visit will appeal to all your senses in a playful way.

The Fondation Les Cerlatez, created in 1993 and located 3 km from Saignelégier, develops activities in the field of information, research and protection on the theme of wetlands and in particular on peat bogs. You will discover the particularities of the peat bogs which, in Switzerland, began at the end of the ice age, 12,000 years ago. You can also visit the Maison de la réserve naturelle de l'étang de la Gruère, the vivarium and the small botanical garden.

Want to learn more about the city and its history? Visit the Heimatmuseum. This local museum in Davos has set itself the task of tracing the evolution of this former farming village into a modern town, developed thanks to tourism, and of educating the public about everyday life in the past, local customs and crafts. To this end, a rich collection of historical objects and documents is on display in this ^16th-century building, now a family museum.

The only Swiss museum devoted exclusively to the history of communication in all its aspects. Through an interactive and very entertaining tour, the three permanent exhibitions of the museum tell us the history of telecommunications and communication. You will walk through the museum through the objects and documents kept by the Post Office. An "adventure" that encourages exchanges, meetings, dialogue - in short, communication!

It is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland after Zurich. It traces the history of the city, but also of the region since prehistoric times, through archaeological, historical and ethnological collections. It includes the original sculptures of several historical fountains and the Last Judgment of the cathedral. A section is also dedicated to Albert Einstein, who lived in Bern when he formulated his famous equation E = mc² in 1905.

It is reached by a very pleasant walk along the lake, from the east bank. At the edge of the city, the site is peaceful and very pleasant, with some contemporary works, including sculptures in the style of Tinguely. The Chinese garden, set back from the lake, was donated to Zürich by the twin city of Kunming in 1994. This small enclosure is enchanting and exotic with a small bridge over the water, Far Eastern flowers, pagoda roofs and carved wood. It is one of the most important open-air Chinese gardens outside China.

In Zurich, urban development and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Belvoir Park, one of the oldest landscape gardens in the region, is a fine example of this. It's a serene green space where it's a pleasure to stroll among the flowers. The iris and daylily garden, with over 120 species, is a real delight. What's more, the view of the city, lake and mountains is resplendent. The park's villa houses a hotel school and restaurant. A historic park full of charm to discover on your visit to the city.

The aim of the Papiliorama Foundation is to help you discover the biodiversity of the rainforest. In this little piece of Swiss jungle, butterflies and multicoloured hummingbirds swirl around you in complete freedom. Don't miss the Jungle Trek! You can feel the 1,000 or so butterflies fluttering around in the 1,200^m2 dome. Bonus: dogs are not allowed in this jungle, but a free dog hotel is available at the entrance.

Housed in the Hôtel Ratzé, the only Renaissance building in Fribourg, as well as in a slaughterhouse, a 19th century arsenal, the MAHF exhibits sculptures, paintings and objects. On several floors, one discovers the sculptures of Jean-François Reyff, the paintings of Hans Geiler, archaeological collections with. The former slaughterhouses house beautiful religious silverware. The 19th and 20th centuries are represented by some great names: Delacroix, Courbet...

Immerse yourself in the world of the fantastic and tortured art of H. R. Giger, the Swiss artist who won the 1980 Oscar for best visual effects for his artistic contribution to the film Alien. The museum is located in the Château Saint-Germain, in the heart of the city. It contains the largest existing collection of works by H.R. Giger: paintings, sculptures, furniture, film sets... Between reality, fiction, past and future, this museum will take you on a fascinating and disturbing journey. The bar associated with the museum, located opposite, is also worth a visit.

The museum's collection includes 3,500 fossils, mainly from the canton of Jura, of which almost 400 are displayed in the showcases. For each group, the fossils are compared with related present-day species. The museum is surrounded by the Botanical Garden, the Arboretum and the greenhouses where old Ajoie fruit varieties are kept. It is possible to sign up for thematic tours such as the Dinotec or the Banné excavations. The permanent exhibitions allow you to see the fauna of the Jura up close.

This museum is a gateway to the Jura and the history of the region. Sitting on the rampart of the old town, the building is part of an architectural ensemble from the 18th and 19th centuries. Jurassic, Monk's Head, End of the World... the exhibition uses clichés and symbols of the newest Swiss canton to shed light on the events that have marked the region and its inhabitants. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions which aim to highlight social issues.

Unique in Europe, this cave houses an underground plant that operated until the th century. Guides, competent and friendly guides invite you to visit the places. A visit not to be missed. From the town centre, follow the Rue du Temple, then the Rue de France, west to find the mills. To make the walk more pleasant, it is possible, at the exit of the city, to go behind the Rolex factory and follow the course of the Bied.

In an idyllic lakeside setting, this is the last project by the famous Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier (real name Charles-Édouard Jeanneret - 1887-1965), one of the most influential urban planners of the ^20th century. It is also his only work in German-speaking Switzerland. Inaugurated in 1967, the colorful two-storey pavilion is a jewel of architecture designed entirely in glass and steel. The exhibition follows the Modulor, an architectural concept invented by Le Corbusier in 1945, based on the golden ratio and human scale.

The relatively new Lugano Cultural Center - LAC is dedicated to the visual and performing arts, as well as to music. Facing the lake, in a highly contemporary architectural style that cannot be missed (volume of 180,000^m3), the complex is spread over three floors and boasts a huge hall, an avant-garde auditorium and a museum space. It is home to the Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana, which focuses on modern and contemporary art.

Explore Switzerland's largest ethnological museum, with its rich collection of European and non-European cultures. Renovated in 2011 by Herzog & de Meuron, its architecture is distinctly ^19th-century. Discover a permanent collection and current exhibitions, offering an immersive experience to see the world from a new angle. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world's cultural mosaic.

Together with Prangins Castle, the Forum of Swiss History in Schwyz and the collection centre in Affoltern am Albis, the National Museum in Zurich forms the so-called Swiss National Museum. Located opposite the main railway station, the museum was built in 1898 in the historicist style by the great Zurich architect Gustav Gull to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Federal Constitution. Inspired by the Hohenzollern castle in Germany and the French Renaissance castles, the building has the appearance of a fairy-tale castle with turrets and vaults. Once you enter the courtyard, you will see a completely different face of the museum: the new wing, an ultra-contemporary construction of 7,400^m2, opened to the public in 2016. The Christ & Gantenbein agency designed this extension, known for its geometric and monolithic appearance, its abrupt lines and the use of concrete and tuff. Tradition and modernity are thus combined in a beautiful harmony. The museum houses the largest collection of objects on the cultural history of Switzerland and traces the history of the country from prehistoric times to modern times. Works of art, handicrafts and everyday objects tell the story of the country's inhabitants over the course of time. The art of the Middle Ages has a particularly important place here. The permanent exhibition "Simply Zurich" on the first floor of the old building is not to be missed.

The Forum of Swiss History is housed in a building dating from 1711, a former grain storehouse that has been completely renovated and modernized. It is the home of the Swiss National Museum in Central Switzerland. On three floors, the museum presents and explains the conditions under which the old Confederation came into being in the Middle Ages. Temporary exhibitions with contemporary museography in the basement make the museum an important cultural platform. Cafeteria and shop.

This is a new museum born from the merger of the Museum of Modern Art of Lugano and the Cantonal Museum of Art of the city. Part of the museum is on the new site of the LAC - Lugano Arte Cultura. It houses the permanent collection (free of charge) which includes notable works by artists. But also temporary exhibitions enlighten visitors about international modernist and contemporary artists. The other part of the museum is housed in the Palazzo Reali.

It's a hymn to books. This museum brings together real marvels, real masterpieces that have survived the centuries and that we are lucky enough to admire. It's a fascinating museum, and a must-see. Martin Bodmer discovered books and the world of libraries thanks to his mother. His first acquisition was an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Introduced to literature, and passionate about the written word, Martin Bodmer dedicated the rest of his life to selecting the world's best authors in all fields of the written word. The aim is to preserve these works as the common property of mankind: a panorama of human thought that has affected every era since our creation. At first, the 150,000-book private library was reserved for the most erudite of scholars, but Martin Bodmer's philanthropic activities soon spread. In 1971, the Martin Bodmer Foundation was established under private law to ensure the continuity of his work and promote public education. The life's work of this erudite Zurich collector and vice-president of the ICRC is showcased in an exceptional museum and library. The museum, designed by Mario Botta, presents witnesses to the creation of the mind, through all ages and in all parts of the world. The collection includes papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, first editions, unique and rare items, autographs, archaeological finds, sculptures, paintings, tapestries and musical scores. All these works retrace the evolution of humanity's great intellectual and spiritual advances, each object bearing witness to a key moment in the history of civilization. On two floors, among the 200 original pieces on display, we travel the world and the centuries, from Mesopotamia to Greece. Right at the entrance, you'll discover a scribe dating from the time of Ramses II, a precious and rare manuscript on parchment, such as the^5th-century Gospel of Matthew in Coptic, open to the page of the kiss of Judas, one of the world's only copies of the Gutenberg Bible, and many other written treasures. Thanks to the ingenious success of a very modern museography, we learn a great deal, discovering literary works written by the most famous men from the four corners of the globe, from Antiquity to the present day. Captivating, intriguing and incomparably rich, the visit is a must.

Undergoing renovation and modernization until 2025.

The museum is housed in a typical Carouge house, in the heart of a beautiful private garden in the middle of town. This charming building houses collections by local artists, including sculptures, photographs of contemporary ceramics, earthenware, enamels and works of fine art, reflecting the history of Carouge and its artistic evolution.

The exhibition "Espèce de cornichon" : art, cuisine et chirat, until May 2023, retraced the history of the gherkin through the centuries. A highly original theme.

A very beautiful residence houses the Graphic Arts Cabinet of the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. It is undoubtedly one of the most important European centres in the field of the conservation and dissemination of works on paper. It preciously preserves engravings, prints, drawings, pastels... Some 375,000 items are kept in this case, including the world's largest collection of works by Jean-Etienne Liotard and drawings by Ferdinand Hodler.

Opened in 1910 at the same time as the Geneva Museum of Art and History, it became a public library in 1911. It is the largest art library in Switzerland. Its collections are made up of works in all artistic fields: archaeology, fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, numismatics, museology, restoration, from prehistory to the contemporary era. More than 300,000 monographs, 6,000 journal titles and books.

Located on the Place de Neuve, opposite the Parc des Bastions, the neoclassical style of this building is reminiscent of a Greek temple. It is only open for temporary exhibitions (see the museum's website or that of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire). This museum, which opened in 1826, was founded by the sisters of General Rath, a great art lover, and was the first Swiss fine arts museum. It regularly features interesting exhibitions, the most recent of which evokes the fascinating life of traveler Ella Maillart.

An excellent museum, simple and highly didactic, a must-see. A treasure trove for those who find the subtleties of the Reformation obscure, or who want to better understand Geneva's history. The museum's layout is highly educational. Before the advent of Protestantism, it's important to look at the historical context. Europe was in the grip of plague epidemics. Yesterday's convictions were being called into question. The Americas had just been discovered, the famous "great discoveries", and science was also challenging the great truths of the Church, which could no longer meet society's expectations. The Reformation? This is a movement of thought that seeks to take the founding texts of Christianity, the Bible, as its basis, without going through the interpretations of the Church. It was rooted in the humanism of the Renaissance, which was then in full swing. The Reformation was one of the key stages in Geneva's spiritual and political development. The museum is housed in a handsome ^18th-century mansion, the Maison Mallet. Located a stone's throw from Saint-Pierre Cathedral, it occupies the cathedral's former cloister. A highly symbolic location: on May 21, 1536, the Reformation was adopted here. A video in the entrance traces the history of Martin Luther, then that of Jean Calvin, through the wars of religion that tore France apart. In 9 stages, it tells the story of Protestantism from the ^16th century to the present day, from Luther's theses, born in part from the famous sale of indulgences by the Church to the faithful for the salvation of their souls. What price, then, for an assured passage to heaven? Luther was scandalized by these abuses of the Church, which was made rich by these particularly lucrative sales. These new ideas, revolutionary at the time, were widely disseminated thanks to the invention of the printing press. Books became accessible to a large population, 90% of whom were illiterate. Previously, their extremely high price and rarity made them accessible only to a very wealthy elite. Various personalities, including Luther and Calvin, put forward new ideas. Between 1562 and 1598, when Henry IV promulgated the Edict of Nantes, establishing tolerance between religions, France was bloodied by the Wars of Religion, culminating in the horror of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. The first caricatures appear, and the persecutions of French Huguenots, provoked by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes promulgated by Louis XIV in 1685, are evoked, culminating in the exile of Protestants to Switzerland, with the arrival of Calvin in 1536, and the role of Geneva in the influence and spread of Calvinism... On a fascinating map, you'll follow the journeys of Protestant refugees, from the arrival of the Mayflower in America in 1620, to the celebration of the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of other refugees in Huguenot South Africa, convinced they were arriving in the Promised Land, with all the well-known consequences for the original inhabitants. In each land of exile, these emigrants brought with them their know-how: wine in South Africa, lace in Holland, the famous watchmaking in Switzerland.... What's also interesting is to see old and sometimes moving writings: a personal letter from Calvin, accounts of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacres, engravings, historical documents, original works and objects dating from the ^18th century wars of religion: bibles, old engravings of Geneva, Calvin's works in their original editions, portraits of the reformers, souvenirs of the persecutions and the Refuge. Don't miss the music room, where you can listen to true musical masterpieces inspired by Protestantism from the 16th^century to the present day, set against a backdrop of stained-glass colors. It has been said that "Catholicism is for the eyes, Protestantism is for the ears". Here's a magnificent example of this, as we listen to the beauty of South African, Ethiopian and Hungarian Reformed songs, songs in Old French, Aretha Franklin, and Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus", covered here by Johnny Cash.... Finally, the historical cellars offer a look at contemporary Protestantism around the world. Interesting debates are set up, and we listen to excerpts from Martin Luther King's magnificent speech. You'll also be able to read some wonderful quotes from thought-provoking personalities. These magnificent words include one from Desmond Tutu, an icon, like Nelson Mandela, in the fight against apartheid: "Be kind to white people, they need you to rediscover their humanity".

"In the footsteps of the Reformation": a 10-stop tour of the old town, duration 1 hour. You can download the tour and educational packs at www.musee-reforme.ch/ecoles/

Activities at the MIR for children: we're given an interactive screen, and when we place it in front of some of the paintings, the personality of the work comes to life and begins to evoke the historical context of its period, its role etc. Excellent! An audio guide in 10 languages is available free of charge.

The store : the museum shop offers a wide selection of specialist books on the Reformation.

Immerse yourself in the history of Western art at the Kunstmuseum. Three exhibition spaces: the main building (Hauptbau), the new building (Neubau) and the Kunstmuseum Gegenwart. The main building is a treasure trove of seven centuries of artistic history. Holbein, Van Gogh, Gauguin... The collection boasts over 3,000 works. The new building dazzles with its monumental staircase and streamlined rooms. The Gegenwart offers a plunge into contemporary art.

A magnificent site both in terms of nature and heritage! Property of the Chapter, cited in the 11th-12th centuries, this castle served as a residence for the canons. The site is composed of an enclosure of four towers which enclosed the individual houses of the residents and their fortified church. The enclosure dates from the 12th century. Inside is the museum, which displays a variety of collections: Valaisan furniture from Roman times to the present day, gold and silverware, pewter, ironwork, costumes, portraits, Romanesque and Gothic statues.

The building houses a rich collection of clocks and watches (4,500 pieces), some of which are extremely rare: 17th century watches, astronomical clocks and some of the most sophisticated 21st century watches. Since 1989, the museum has also been a centre for the restoration of antique clocks. You will discover unique pieces of mechanical clocks and watches and the whole history of watchmaking: marine chronometers, watches with enamel of great rarity.

Explore natural history at Basel's Naturhistorisches Museum! From dinosaurs to mammals, discover collections that have been preserved for centuries. Spend an unusual night surrounded by saber-toothed tigers or go fossil hunting for an unforgettable birthday. Whether you're fascinated by the animal world, hungry for scientific knowledge or amazed by life on earth, Basel's Naturhistorisches Museum promises an unforgettable experience.

Built at the end of the ^12th century and enlarged in the ^16th, Nyon Castle saw its drawbridge destroyed and its moat filled in in 1820. Today, the building houses a vast collection of earthenware and porcelain from the town's workshops, dating from the ^18th to the ^20th century, and organizes high-quality temporary exhibitions. The museum also showcases local artists. It is possible to take a virtual tour of the museum. From the terrace, there's a magnificent view over the rooftops of the old town and, weather permitting, Mont Blanc.

Located in the heart of the city, the museum displays a unique collection of 6,000 objects on 4 floors and over 1,000 m²: dolls and their homes, miniature teddy bears (the oldest date back to 1904) and contemporary models. The absolutely gigantic collection is not presented chronologically, but seeks to recreate a particular atmosphere. For all those who have kept their childlike spirit and appreciate the world of play.

Housed in a former tramway depot built in the early ^20th century, the Espace is home to works by Jean Tinguely and his wife, French artist Niki de Saint-Phalle, who donated them to the city of Fribourg. One of Tinguely's masterpieces can be seen here: the Altarpiece of Western Abundance and Totalitarian Mercantilism, as well as Niki de Saint-Phalle's 22 painted polyester reliefs entitled Remembering (1997-1998). Temporary exhibitions are also on view.

If the theme of this museum - ceramics and glass - can leave some people cold, think again! It's well worth a visit - after a guided tour of the UN, for example, since it's right next door. The site is a jewel, well worth a visit for the richness of its collections, the beauty and refinement of its works, the quality and creativity of its exhibitions juggling contemporary and classical art. Housed in a beautiful, light-filled building, the museum is dedicated to the history and art of ceramics, glass and stained glass. Its collections, from Switzerland, Europe and the Far East, bring together pieces of unique beauty dating from the ^9th century to the present day. We learn a great deal, following step by step, around the world, the history of porcelain, imported from China to Europe by the ships of the East India Company. As the museum's curator asserts, ceramics, glass and stained glass, the "arts of fire", were born of the four elements, earth and sand, nourished by water, then shaped by fire and nurtured by air. A true "connection with nature". Then comes the artist's extraordinary inventiveness over time. It's a journey around the world, through history and cultures. Over the course of history, these pieces reflect the almost infinite creativity and refinement of artists from a wide variety of cultures, and the wealth of exchanges and influences between these same cultures. Is it because the museum is housed in a vast, luminous building, with an atmosphere that reflects its founder's openness to the world? Quite simply, it makes you feel good. Close to the UN, this imposing building with its imposing dome, dating from the late ^19th century, is surrounded by a beautiful park, the last remains of the vast estate of its founder, Gustave Revilliod (1817-1890). This wealthy man of letters was an exceptional traveler, art collector, archaeologist, scholar, humanist and polyglot, who traveled throughout Europe, the Orient and the rest of the world, bringing back masterpieces. He was passionate about everything: painting, sculpture, prints, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass... As a patron of the arts, he travelled extensively and collected over 30,000 pieces, notably from the Far East. Today, the site houses over 28,000 pieces. The museum is well laid out, with large, well-lit rooms where the works are particularly well displayed. The museum evokes the odyssey of porcelain, which originated in China, appeared in the Middle East and then in Europe. It arrived by ship from the Middle Kingdom, and the round trip took eighteen months. Porcelain was a phenomenal success, but the secrets of its manufacture - jealously guarded by Chinese ceramists - remained unknown until the early ^18th century. The fascinating history of ceramics over the centuries right up to the present day is recounted here. You'll be able to admire sumptuous pieces originating in China, the famous blue and white ceramics, the three-colored ceramics, and ceramics adapted to Western orders. The representation of Westerners as seen by the Chinese on ceramics is not without its salt. Wherever you are in the world, the way you look at things differs according to your country of origin. Persian ceramics reflect a civilization of unique wealth and refinement. As you enter the site, you are impressed by the imposing entrance hall, the brightly-lit rooms and the imposing vaulted ceiling. The building was dedicated to Gustave Revilliod's mother - named Ariana. Its architecture is inspired by Baroque and Italian influences. Its appearance is imposing, to say the least.

Works are exhibited in large, bright rooms, arranged along circular galleries around or above the imposing entrance hall - a grand staircase had been planned when the building was designed, but the idea was eventually abandoned.

Take a break in the small salon on the first floor, where you'll hear some travel stories told by Gustave Revilliod himself. Fascinating memoirs in which this open-minded and curious man of the world recounts not only some of his travel experiences, but also his exasperation with an overly conventional, sclerotic society and its contemporaries. As he says, the latter drove him to go back to the other side of the world.

The park - most of which now belongs to the UN - has a few souvenirs, including a replica of a bell from Japan's Shinagawa temple,

The temporary exhibitions are well worth a look, and the presentation of the pieces is really well thought-out and highly original. The dynamism of the museum's team is to be commended, as they always combine intercultural, social and historical aspects.

Every first Sunday of the month, as well as on certain Thursdays, the museum organizes excellent free guided tours of current exhibitions, not to be missed if you're visiting Geneva during this period. To find out more about the various events and workshops organized by the museum, consult the agenda available directly on the website (www.musee-ariana.ch/fr/agenda).

A site accessible to the public since 1974, these caves reveal a fantastic natural spectacle: columns, stalagmites, stalactites, drapery, underground rivers. As a bonus: the discovery of the cathedral with a sound and light. After the visit, you can see a collection of 250 minerals exposed in rocky vaults and a magical decor.

Open to the public for 40 years, the Caves of Vallorbe are among the most beautiful in Europe. They took their evening to welcome the visitor in a decor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights. The walls are decorated with drapery and a soda rain (small tubes) falls within the ceilings of the different rooms. The most eccentric stalactites and stalagmites resulting from the marriage of water and limestone form an impressive "pile pile" or miniature reproduction of the Vendôme column. Trésor Treasure This trip in the basement, accompanied by the crystalline song of the Orb, ends with the discovery of the hidden treasure of the Fées: 250 minerals bursting with light beads in four alveoli dug in the rock.

Space The Cathedral. Since June 2011, a new room over 30 m high welcomes you in its centre and will make you discover its splendour thanks to a show of its light and light.

An app to visit the caves. Since June 2013, a free application on its mobile phone allows audio feedback throughout the visit. It is possible to download it in advance or directly on site thanks to Wi-Fi network.

Discover the world of Jean Tinguely at the eponymous museum designed by architect Mario Botta. This contemporary building pays tribute to the Swiss artist of perpetual motion. The central hall houses up to twenty mechanical sculptures, symphonies of moving metal. The exhibition "La roue = c'est tout" (The Wheel = That's All) until spring 2025 offers an insight into Tinguely's work. Explore his relationship between man and machine through interactive activities. From his fragile youth to his monumental creations, discover his career. The Chez Jeannot bistro invites you to take a gourmet break.

Discover the medieval paper mill, an exceptional site on the banks of the Rhine. Carefully restored, it offers an insight into the ancestral art of papermaking. Explore the four floors of interactive exhibits and workshops, from raw fiber to precious paper. Take part in demonstrations to relive history, with workshops designed for schools and groups. To prolong the experience, take advantage of the bar-restaurant with its terrace (open for lunch and afternoon meals).

The Skulpturhalle Basel now houses over 2,200 casts, offering a representative perspective on ancient sculpture. This unique collection is one of the most prestigious in the world. Don't miss the extraordinary "Parthenon Project". Decades of painstaking work have enabled us to reconstruct, in the form of casts, all the remains of the architectural sculpture of the Athenian temple of the Parthenon, and a series of exact 1:20 scale architectural models offer a breathtaking vision of the temple's architecture.

What a magnificent setting to house a watchmaking museum! In this Louis XVI style patrician residence, the Château des Monts was once the home of the Dubois family. The castle has kept its former glory and the large collection of clocks, watches and automatons enhances the building. The know-how of the watchmakers is recounted in a film and a slide show. You can wander through each room of the castle, discovering works and timepieces.

Since 2016, the Gegenwart, part of Basel's Kunstmuseum, has been dedicated to contemporary art. Housed in a beautifully restored ^19th-century factory, it offers three levels of permanent and temporary exhibitions, including installations and videos. Lectures, debates and guided tours enrich the experience. Explore works by Beuys, Nauman, Trockel... as well as contemporary American art. The Gegenwart is not just a museum, but a promise of discovery, inspiration and wonder, offering a unique sensory and intellectual experience.

This true temple of absinthe is a must to know the eventful history of the green fairy. Indeed, this jealously guarded secret liquor was forbidden for a long time in Switzerland (as well as in France, where it comes from). It was only authorized for sale in 2005 and can now be enjoyed all over the world. The exhibition also presents more than 1,200 plants, some of which are used in the production of the magic drink. A bar offers tastings of some fifteen regional products.

Discover Basel's Antikenmuseum, part of the cantonal administration, home to an exceptional collection of Egyptian, Greek, Italian, Etruscan and Roman works of art. Captivating exhibitions offer a unique perspective on antiquity. The Skulpturhalle features casts of ancient sculptures, including the Parthenon. Guided tours and workshops complete this immersive experience. The Antikenmuseum is a dynamic cultural venue to discover.

The Château de Villa wine library is the place to be for wine lovers. It invites you to discover, in a friendly and exclusive setting, a choice of 550 of the best wines from over 100 Valais cellars, some rare bottles and fruit brandies from Valais orchards. Take advantage of the expert advice of the bartenders trained for wine tasting and go on a wine discovery tour, decorated with a magnificent wine press and entire walls of bottles.

A Savoyard fortress built at the end of the 13th century, the castle of Morges became a museum of military history in 1925. The site now houses several museums: the Museum of Historical Figurines, the largest Swiss museum of its kind (over 40,000 figurines), the Gendarmerie Museum, the Foreign Service Room and the Paderewski Museum. The military museum has been divided into two: the Artillery Museum and the Waldensian Military History Museum.