Naturhistorisches Museum Neuchâtel - Insektensaal

Knowledge & culture

Natural History Museum Neuchâtel

A museum to win over younger and older naturalists alike

The Natural History Museum is located in the heart of the city of Neuchâtel and deals with geology, zoology, botany and the formation and history of our earth. With an exciting permanent exhibition and interesting temporary exhibitions, it awakens interest in natural research in its visitors and conveys scientifically sound facts in an entertaining way. An adventurous journey back in time, especially for children.

You can travel quickly and easily to Neuchâtel by public transport. The museum is located in the city centre and is easily accessible on foot from the station.

Highlights

111 Windows on Nature (Dioramas)

The dioramas take you on a journey into the local animal world. The precise posture of the animals, the lifelike reproduction of their habitats and the rendition of bird calls, enable you to take a voyage of discovery into the natural world of the canton of Neuchâtel.

The Cabinet of Curiosities

Would you like to know why the museum pieces look so alive? Learn how the exhibits are processed and preserved in the Cabinet of Curiosities. Around 60 exhibits give you an insight into the work of the museum and invite you to think critically.

Insect Hall

They are enemies or allies of the gardener, stowaways, intruders, pollinators.... Insects can take on many roles. They make up more than 80% of all known animal species and are found in numerous habitats. Small or large, beautiful or fearsome, the insects on display in this room provide a better understanding of their ecosystems.

Geology room

Discover 4.5 billion years of Earth's history through a unique collection of fossils and minerals.

À l’eau

Digital technologies and specimens from the collection come together in this semi-permanent exhibition, which brings to life the history, landscapes, and biodiversity of Lake Neuchâtel. An interactive floor allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the lake’s flora and fauna without getting wet.

Opening hours Tomorrow Tuesday open

Mon closed
Tue–Sun 10.00–18.00 hours

Special closures 2026

Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September, Harvest Festival
Thursday 24 December, Christmas Eve from 14.00 hours
Friday 25 December, Christmas
Thursday 31 December from 14.00 hours
Friday 1 January 2027

Rates

Admission to the Natural History Museum

Wednesdays	free of charge
Adults	CHF 12.00
Adults residing in Neuchâtel	CHF 8.00
Students, apprentices, unemployed, AHV, IV, recruits and civil service personnel, KulturLegi, NeuchâtelRoule card	CHF 4.00
Cards: Euro 26, ICOM, AMS, AMUSE, Neuchâtel Museum Pass*, Raiffeisen, 20 ans 100 francs, NTC, Swiss Museum Pass	free of charge
Children up to 15.99 years old	free of charge
Residents of the partner cities Besançon, Aarau, and Sansepolcro / Residents of the member cities of the “Neuchâtel du monde” network	free of charge
Groups of 10 or more people (price per person)	CHF 4.00
Accompanying persons (including individual preparatory visits)	free of charge

*CHF 40.00 per year / CHF 20.00 for students, AHV recipients, and the unemployed

All practical information and admission prices can be found here.

Prices in CHF, incl. VAT / Prices and products are subject to change.

Notes

The museum offers exciting and educational exhibitions as well as other amenities to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:

Suitable for pushchairs and people with reduced mobility.
Children welcome: changing table and high chair in the Café.
Café de la baleine: drinks and snacks.
In the centre of Neuchâtel, shops and restaurants nearby.

Accessibility

A welcoming environment and adapted services are in place for visitors with disabilities and their companions. Wheelchairs, guide dogs, and canes with tips are allowed in the exhibition areas.

A specific access point for vehicles is available upon request, only in advance of your visit.