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.

Opening hours Today (Thursday) open

Mon closed
Tue–Sun 10.00–18.00 hours

Special closures 2024

Saturday 28 September and Sunday 29 September, Harvest Festival
Tuesday 24 December, Christmas Eve from 14.00 hours
Wednesday 25 December, Christmas
Tuesday 31 December from 14.00 hours
Wednesday 1 January, 2025

Guided tour

You can take a guided tour of the Natural History Museum by appointment.

Price: CHF 100.00
Number of participants: max. 25
Duration of the tour: 1 hour
Languages spoken: French, German

Book a guided tour now

Rates

Free admission to the museum

On Wednesday, admission to the museum is free.

CHF 12.00 Adults
CHF 8.00 Adults residing in Neuchâtel
CHF 4.00 Students, apprentices, unemployed, retirees, disability pension recipients
CHF 4.00 Caritas Card
CHF 4.00 Neuchâtel Roule Card
CHF 4.00 Groups of 10 or more (Price per person)
free of charge Children up to the age of 15.99
free of charge Holder of the Raiffeisen «Member plus» card
free of charge Members of AMUSE, AMS, and ICOM cards
free of charge Swiss Museum Pass
free of charge GMN Card

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.

The Museum’s auditorium is the ideal place for press conferences, public debates, conferences, assemblies, or simple meetings.

Rental requests must be sent by email to: info.museum@unine.ch

Equipment at your disposal: Full-HD projector, PC equipped with Windows 10 and Office suite, internet connection, Blu-ray player, sound system.