Knowledge & culture

International Watch Museum La Chaux-de-Fonds

A fascinating journey through time

The International Watch Museum (MIH) is characterised by a unique architectural and museographic concept and exhibits a significant collection dedicated to everything to do with horology. The exhibition of new acquisitions, the monumental carillon clock, the restoration room for antique clocks and the wall frescos by Hans Erni are just a few of the museum’s abundance of hidden treasures. The Swiss Watchmaking Fair, which always takes place on the first Sunday in November, is another of the museum's highlights.

Take advantage of the pass “3 days / 3 museums” Beside the International Watchmuseum this ticket allows you to visit the Musée d'histoire and in the Musée des beaux-arts. These 3 museums are not far away, about 50 meters. The ticket is valid for 3 consecutive days.

Audio guides (French, German, English, Italian and Spanish) are available to visitors free of charge. The audio application guide izi. TRAVEL from the Musée international d'horlogerie is available on iPhone, Android and Microsoft but also on the following web version

Coronavirus notice Please take note of the protection plan and any restrictions set by the provider.

Temporary exhibitions

Transmissions. Picturing The Intangible, addressing our intangible cultural heritage through photography.

14 November 2020 - 7 November 2021

The exhibition “Transmissions. Picturing the Intangible” addresses our intangible cultural heritage through the contemporary artistic medium of photography, offering new and sensitive approaches to the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics.

Located on either side of the French-Swiss border, the Musée du Temps and the Musée International d’Horlogerie are well-known museums in the field of horology and time measurement. In association with the Nuit de la Photo festival in La Chaux-de-Fonds, they have jointly organised a unique temporary cross-border exhibition as part of the French-Swiss nomination for the addition of the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

With a shared, several centuries-long watchmaking history, the French and Swiss territories of the Jura Arc have fostered an exceptional horological and mechanical culture. Beyond the physical specimens produced through this horological and mechanical work, this intangible cultural heritage also includes a whole range of living, social, ritual and festive traditions and practices, as well as skills and expertise in traditional crafting techniques.

Tours are available in French, German, Italian, English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Dutch at a cost of CHF 110 per tour guide. Max. 20 people.

Opening hours Today (Saturday) open

Mon closed
Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00 hours

The museum is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
Open on Easter Monday and Whit Monday

Subject to change without prior notice

Entry fee

CHF 15.00 Adults
CHF 12.50 Students (up to 24.99 years)
CHF 7.50 Young people (aged 12 to 15.99)
free of charge Children up to the age of 11.99
CHF 12.50 Retirees, recipients of invalidity pension
CHF 30.00 Families

The same ticket allows you a free visit in the Musée d'histoire and in the Musée des beaux-arts. These 3 museums are not far away, about 50 meters. The ticket is valid for 3 consecutive days.

The ticket also offers discounts by six partners : Musée paysan et artisanal Maison blanche Musée des beaux-arts du Locle Musée d'horlogerie du Locle Moulins souterrains du Col-des-Roches Tourisme neuchâtelois - Montagnes (Small train and guided tour on schedule)

CHF 17.00 Adults
CHF 14.00 Students up to 25
CHF 7.50 Children 12 - 15.99 years old
CHF 14.00 Retirees
CHF 34.00 Families Parents and own children

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration.

Events that are not to be missed

Treasure hunt

A treasure hunt allows children to learn about the museum through play. By taking part in the hunt, specially designed for young visitors, children are encouraged to wander around the whole museum looking for items as diverse as a sword, a boat, a dragon, or even Minnie and Snowy. Every year, a draw takes place with prizes issued to the winners.

Language: French, German and English

Workshops and birthday parties

Play-based and educational workshops for a different way of encountering the museum! Why not come and build an object related to time or timekeeping and discover similar items in the museum’s collections?