Laténium – Archaeology park and museum in Neuchâtel
Immerse yourself in times long ago
Located in the middle of an idyllic park on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel, the Laténium is the biggest archaeology museum in Switzerland. It takes visitors through 50,000 years of history using fun and interactive aids.
The Laténium’s museum and archaeology park stretch for over 30,000 m2. The museum’s permanent exhibition displays 50,000 years of history from Neanderthal times to the present day. Orientation marks, listening experiences, models and factual and easy to understand texts inspire visitors again and again to continue on their voyage of discovery without losing their excitement. The tours also stop off at mini laboratories where you can familiarise yourself with the work of archaeologists as well as play educational games for children and use video screens and interactive terminals. The Laténium is a winner of the Council of Europe’s Museum Prize.
The freely accessible Laténium Archaeological Park is located directly on the lake and is an ideal place to take a walk. Besides the faithful replicas of stilt houses, a hunter's camp and a barge, you will get an insight into the ecosystems of the different eras.
If the weather is good, it is recommended to take the train to St-Blaise-Lac. From there, a 20-minute walk along the lakeshore leads to the Laténium.
Opening hours Today (Wednesday) open
Museum
Mon closed
Tue–Sun 10.00–17.00 hours
Open on Easter Monday and Whit Monday
The Laténium is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Archaeology park
Free access
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
Free admission to the museum
Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
Laténium admission prices
- CHF 12.00 Adults
- CHF 4.00 Students, seniors, unemployed
- free of charge Children up to 15.99 years
Reduced prices for groups of 10 or more people
Prices incl. VAT / Prices subject to alteration
Audio guide
Would you like to be guided through the permanent exhibition? Then hire an audio guide (CHF 5.00). In less than an hour you will be told 50,000 years of history!
Free guided tour
On the first Sunday of each month at 11.00 and 11.30 hours, free guided tours of a special exhibit in the museum or park take place. These free tours are held exclusively in French.
Book guided tours by appointment
Themed workshops and educational activities for school classes and groups are available upon request.
How to get there
Travel comfortably by train to Neuchâtel.
Fun'ambule and bus
From the train station, take the cable car (Fun'ambule) to the university and then the bus line 101 in the direction of Marin to the "Laténium" stop.
By ship
The boat from Neuchâtel to Hauterive is free of charge. The return journey is also free on presentation of the Laténium entrance ticket.
On foot
Continue to St-Blaise-Lac and then walk for 20 minutes along the lakeshore to the Laténium.
Location
Contact
- Laténium
- +41 32 889 69 17
- Laténium www.latenium.ch
