The MIH in La Chaux-de-Fonds holds a vast collection devoted to the history of timekeeping. Watches, clocks, automata, tools and machines trace horology from the 16th century to the present day, from the sundial to the atomic clock.
Watchmaking
Main highlights
- Over 10,000 objects on timekeeping, 4,500 of them displayed along three routes
- A glass-walled restoration workshop where you can watch watchmakers at work on weekdays
- A 15-tonne carillon that comes to life every quarter hour in the museum park
Overview
The museum grew out of the study collection of the La Chaux-de-Fonds School of Watchmaking, assembled from 1865 onwards. It opened to the public in 1902 on the school’s premises. The current building, partly underground, was designed by architects Georges-Jacques Haefeli and Pierre Zoelly and inaugurated in 1974 within a park.
The MIH describes its collection as the world’s largest on the history of timekeeping. It comprises over 10,000 objects : watches and clocks from the 16th century to today, tools, machines, instruments, automata and reconstructions of lost pieces. Archives and historical documents complete the holdings.
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What to see and do
The permanent exhibition offers three routes : a historical thread, horological treasures and major technical themes. Audio guides in five languages accompany the visit. The Sandoz Collection brings together outstanding timepieces, and an exhibition regularly presents the museum’s new acquisitions.
The fully glass-walled Antique Horology Restoration Centre lets you watch craftsman watchmakers at work during the week. In the park, the monumental carillon installed in 1980 comes to life every quarter hour, combining time, sound and colour.
Creative workshops are offered to families on themes such as the water clock, the sundial, engraving and the time totem.
Practical information
Getting there : a 5-minute walk from the SBB railway station. By car, follow the signs at the town entrances.
Visit duration : allow 2 to 3 hours, or half a day for enthusiasts.
Suitable for : horology lovers, curious visitors and families, thanks to the creative workshops.
On site : audio guides in five languages, visible restoration workshop, park with carillon.
Visitor tips
Take the audio guide to follow the technical and historical explanations. Come on a weekday to see the restorers at work.
The museum is located in the Parc des Musées, alongside the History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. Extend your visit by exploring the town’s watchmaking urban planning, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Nearby
- The La Chaux-de-Fonds History Museum, housed in Villa Sandoz, traces the town’s urban, social and industrial history.
- The La Chaux-de-Fonds Fine Arts Museum brings together modern, contemporary and Swiss art, and showcases the Style sapin.
- The Col de la Vue des Alpes, on a Jura ridge, offers views of the Alps and is ideal for walks.
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