Totally worth a visit for fans and the curious…read more I grew as a fan of the Alien franchise, so it was definitely a treat to see some of the other work from HR Giger. The museum is small, but there's enough for you to spend an hour or two checking things out. The artwork is somewhat trippy and incredibly iconic and unique, with a combination of cyberpunk, body horror, religious, and sexual imagery. It's a pretty weird and random fit for the idyllic and quaint Gruyeres, but the contrast makes it part of the fun. Definitely check it out if you are in Gruyeres. Admission was included as part of my Swiss travel pass.

I'm a fan of Giger's work in the Alien, Species, Dune and other projects so when I was in…read moreSwitzerland I made a point to come here. The fact that it's located in a historic medieval village and cheese making region is quirky, but adds a dimension to balance out those activities. The museum is located in an old medieval castle/gate type building. There are several floors featuring Giger's creations along with an area for rotating exhibits by other artists in the same genre. Obviously the biggest draw for most people is the art related to the Alien movies. There are concept drawings, models, and actual pieces used in the movies, enough to keep you satisfied! Giger also branched into making other items in a similar theme, check out the dining table and chairs amongst other things. There's a room with erotic art, you need to be over 18 to see that, however there isn't anyone actively enforcing this. You have the opportunity to buy original pieces of art actually created by Giger, along with prints and t shirts, and bottles of the artist's own brand of absinthe. Sadly it's all expensive (even the t shirts were around 40 francs) so be aware. This museum is worth a visit for fans of Giger's work. Definitely consider if your kids can handle visuals like this if they're with you. It's dark by definition.

This is an awesome museum if you're really interested in the Olympics or if you're a child. I…read morereally enjoyed it, but I wouldn't recommend it to the average adult. The exhibits were well put together, and there was a lot of interesting information to read with fun games for children. I loved the temporary exhibit (free to the public) about running and the focus on Paris 2024. Admission was more expensive than I would have liked, even with the student discount for 14 CHF. The Olympic park outside is nice to walk around.

It's been a long time since I came through here. I created a listing to review the Olympic Games…read morebut it got merged with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. I've actually been to this museum, funnily enough (in 2005, I believe it was, but I could be off), so I decided to post the review anyway. The Olympic Museum in Switzerland is worth a visit if you are obsessed with the Olympics but we're really not. We like the World Cup a lot. So I won't be taking Barbie back here with me most likely. It's still a pretty cool Museum and it's been a long time since I was here but it looks from the pictures like it's changed, so I'll have to consider maybe giving it another visit when I come back to Switzerland maybe next year maybe no go.

MUDAC is Lausanne Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts. Permanent collection is…read moreinsignificant. New exhibitions are regularly organised in order to permit visitors to progressively see museum entire own collection. At the time I visited MUDAC there was an interesting temporary exhibition showing the work of a 40 years old French designer Guillaume Bardet. He drew an utilitarian object of daily life like cups, vases, chairs, lamps, etc. every day over a year period from 21 September 2009 to 21 September 2010. A dozen ceramicist produced his objects in white and different colours. Artist mental state mind changed over this year period from joy to deep sadness and despair! At the end of 2010 he became heavily sick for 6 weeks and almost died! Could this performance means and be artist's life's oeuvre? Museum's entrance is every first Saturday of month free. Building is next to Lausanne Cathedral on top of old city where you get a stunning view over lake and mountains.

I loved the Mu.dac. I found it by mistake while trying to find the history museum, and being…read moresomeone who loves design, decided to go in! The staff were super friendly (and were willing to practice my French with me, even though it took a lot longer). I spent a couple hours, really looking at things (it's a small museum). When I was there the first exhibit was on perspective, and the second was on touch- which was a shared exhibit with another museum! The touch one was really cool because you so rarely get to touch anything in a museum. Lots of different textures. I think one of my favorite exhibits was about a man who records himself everyday, then listens to the tape for that day a year later (and records over it). The third floor was a glass exhibit, and it's always nice to look at glass. I'd definitely go here if you're visiting Lausanne!

J'ai adoré l'exposition et l'univers où on est plongé en entrant dans ce lieu ! Je recommande ce…read morelieu à tout le monde, pour les familles, les enfants seront ravis !

From the owner: La Maison d'Ailleurs est un musée qui présente deux expositions artistiques par année autour de la…read morescience-fiction et de la culture populaire.

The castle sits dramatically above the charming medieval village of Gruyères, and just walking up…read moreto it feels magical. The cobblestone streets, the preserved old buildings, and then the castle rising at the top -- all like something out of a postcard. We didn't go inside, but wandering around the exterior and the surrounding grounds was more than enough to make the stop memorable. The views of the rolling green hills and mountains are stunning, especially on a clear day. There are plenty of spots to take photos, and the scenery alone makes it worth the climb. The area around the castle is peaceful and beautifully maintained, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Even if you're short on time or just passing through for cheese and chocolate, stopping to admire the château from the outside is a must.

Just a short walk up hill from the train station you will find a little city with shops,…read morerestaurants. Then just a bit up the hill you will find this beautiful castle with amazing views.. 13CHF to get in but it's worth it. Keep in mind to wear comfortable shoes if you're not used to walking up hill in cobble stone.

As far as local history museums go, this is one of the best anywhere. It helps that the subject…read morematter is so iconic. The museum focuses on the scaling of the Matterhorn, and how the town culture developed around Alpine climbing. You'll find all sorts of artifacts like the original ropes and ice axes used to climb the matterhorn. The museum has three levels. The first is the main entrance, ticket booth, and gift shop. There are lockers to leave bags and hangars for jackets. The second level is below the street and is a metal grate walkway with historical items. The deepest and final level has the largest selection of artifacts and information. An audio guide is available in many languages but you'll need to download an app. Staff is minimal but does speak English.

Located in the center of Zermatt, Switzerland under it's namesake the glass dome Matterhorn…read moremuseum. Entry fee CHF 10, but was part of our 10 day Collette tour of Alpine Trains and Scenic Lakes. Severe space restrictions, with most of the museum underground. Three stories, with only the top story above ground. The bottom two floors have a constructed replica of a 19th century Swiss village, with stuffed farm animals, and furnishings from the period. You walk down the main street of Zermatt, only from 200 years ago. Film depicts life back in the older days, and the equipment used to climb the Matterhorn. Model of the mountain, where you may press a button next to the first successful hike to the top by that particular pathway, and see the lighted guided path alongside the mountain. The earliest hikes from the 1860s were on the more gradual inclines, whereas the latest hikes were on the very steep cliff faces. Today about 3000 people successfully climb the mountain annually, as it is described as a moderate climb, but exposed to the elements. About 150 people try to climb the mountain daily, which takes 9-12 hours. The last third is through snow and ice, requiring crampons. Only a handful of those 150 will make it to the top and back. About a handful die each year, with some 500 people killed in attempting the climb throughout the ages. There is even a cemetery for those killed on the mountain. A much more formidable mountain to climb is France's Mt Blanc, tallest mountain in Europe, with some 8,000 climbers killed! There are guides who for about 1300 Euros will take you to the top of Matterhorn, to have your selfie picture taken!

Great museum with hundreds of horological items that can easily constitute a 2+ hour visit. For the…read moreprice, it is a must-see for any collector. Do note that the vast majority of exhibition text is in French and that the English text is scant (only for major exhibits and introductions to new periods or significant historical events). We did not use audio guides or join an official group tour. Though the exhibits progress from the 1600s to the early 2000s and are genuinely COOL, there is a lack of cohesion or progression and on top of that you're making awkward, jagged turns to follow the ascending numerical order of the exhibits. The space feels completely maxed out. The vast majority of visitors seem to have a truly difficult time following any preset order after turning the first corner of the two most dense floors. Though anyone could enjoy a short visit, it is disappointing that some of the absolute basics of watches that the average person would want to know about (how does a manual wind actually work, what is an automatic movement, what is meant by "complication," what is quartz, tell us more about the pocket watch to wristwatch thing, why are holy trinity watches so expensive, etc) are simply not addressed. The production quality of the video that is screened in the auditorium is DECENT but it ends abruptly almost as if the bureaucrat in charge of its funding just stepped in one day and said to the producer "okay--done!" Compared to the rest of the media put out by Patek, it's not a good reflection of the brand.

For my 3000th review. Super special place. This has got to be one of the coolest museums I've ever…read moreseen in my life! If I could get this place 10 stars I definitely would. I have admired Patak Philippe watches in all the fashion magazines for many decades. So this was a huge event for me to be able to come to their museum. The museum is just like their shops, beautiful and elegant, super clean with white gloves. The museum has three levels and you can get an audio guide on the first floor. There's also periodic watch making demos you can join to watch a real live factory technician talk about watchmaking by hand. The amount of gorgeous watches from historical times to now, contains many priceless masterpieces. I especially love the ones with the music box and trinkets that moves. It is absolutely fascinating amazing to see. One of the coolest museums I've ever been in the world. Absolutely recommend!

This beautiful home is a wonderful and mysterious home and history museum. You will find a…read moresurprising and beautiful history of the movie industry from the life of Charlie Chaplin. We had never heard of this place so it was a complete surprise! This is exactly how it should be. I don't want to spoil this surprise but will just say it is well worth the trip. Just go and let yourself be swept away by this beautiful history. I love how his film history is separated from his wonderful home and family life. We've gone from not knowing much about Charlie Chaplin to absolutely adoring him. What a life!!

One of the most unique and well presented museums I have ever experienced. There are multiple…read morefloors across two buildings that immerse you into Charlie Chaplin as a performer and a person. Wonderful for all ages. My son is 23 and he enjoyed it.. We all felt like we learned a lot, too! The cafe next door was also delightful. Enjoy!

Many surprising exhibits here. The back stories make this gallery/ museum unique. Be sure to…read moreinclude a couple of hours here if you're in town!

Great museum displaying art from those on the fringe criminals, schizophrenics, and other fun folks…read morewhom you might normally avoid. While we may not understand their behaviour, their art is something to be admired (even if some of it might be a bit disturbing). A must-see if you happen to be in Lausanne.