In La Chaux-de-Fonds, MUCIVI traces 15 centuries of the history of Islamic civilisations in a listed Art Nouveau building. You follow an immersive tour with an audio guide, from the origins of Islam to contemporary issues, by way of its scientific golden age.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- The first museum in Switzerland dedicated to Islam, focusing on the history of its civilisations
- A 750 m² exhibition spread over two floors and six themed areas
- Immersive design combining screens, interactive installations and soundscapes
Overview
MUCIVI occupies a listed Art Nouveau building in the heart of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a town on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its watchmaking urban planning. It was founded with the aim of creating a space in Switzerland devoted to Muslim culture.
The museum traces the history of Islamic civilisations from pre-Islamic times to the present day. It focuses on the Islamic Golden Age, between the 8th and 12th centuries, a period when the sciences flourished and also benefited the West. Its approach is educational and open-minded, without proselytism.
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What to see and do
The permanent exhibition extends over two floors and six themed areas. The museum design uses screens, interactive installations, and sound and lighting effects. You follow the tour with an audio guide included in the ticket price.
The themes covered include the origins and spread of Islam, exchanges between civilisations and contemporary issues relating to a religion practised by more than one and a half billion people. Much attention is given to the knowledge of the Golden Age : geography, mathematics, astrology, cartography and medicine.
The museum hosts lectures and cultural events. It also offers storytelling and reading workshops for younger visitors and guided tours by reservation.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is close to La Chaux-de-Fonds SBB station and easily reached by public transport.
Visit duration : allow 1 to 1.5 hours with the audio guide.
Visitors : suitable for all, with workshops for children and guided tours for groups.
On site : private events and corporate outings with catering can be hosted.
Visitor tips
Take the time to listen to the full audio guide : its explanations provide the context needed to follow the six themed areas.
If you are coming as a group, book a guided tour in advance to explore certain aspects of the exhibition in greater depth.
Nearby attractions
- The MIH International Museum of Horology traces the history of timekeeping, from the sundial to the atomic clock.
- The La Chaux-de-Fonds Museum of Fine Arts brings together modern and contemporary art and Swiss works, including the Style sapin.
- The Col de la Vue des Alpes, on a Jura ridge, offers views of the Alpine range and walking trails.
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