In Sainte-Croix, MuMAPS tells the story of mechanical art, from music boxes to automata. Housed in the former Paillard factory, it brings together the collections of three museums and also traces the history of the village and its region.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Music boxes and automata presented on guided tours with demonstrations of the mechanisms
- 15,000 objects covering regional heritage from the Neolithic to the present day
- Former Paillard factory, an industrial building whose entrance was once used by the workers
Overview
MuMAPS was created by merging three institutions : the International Centre for Mechanical Art, the Baud Museum and the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Their collections are now housed in the former Paillard factory, whose front door was once the workers’ entrance.
Since the mid-19th century, Sainte-Croix has specialised in making music boxes. In 2020, the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and mechanical art in the Jura Arc was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The museum highlights this craft, which combines watchmaking, marquetry and cabinetmaking.
"*" indicates required fields
What to see and do
The museum offers two permanent exhibitions. “Once Upon a Time in Sainte-Croix” traces the history of the village and the region. “Mechanical Art : The Dream Factory” shows how these precision pieces are designed. A temporary exhibition rounds out the offer.
The collections comprise 15,000 objects : music boxes and automata, as well as typewriters and Bolex cameras, reminders of local industry. The permanent exhibition can only be visited on a guided tour, with object demonstrations that let you see the mechanisms in motion.
The tour details the painstaking work required to make a piece of mechanical art. It also shows that this craft lives on today and continues to evolve with modern technology. The source recommends extending your visit at the nearby Atelier du Dr.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is less than a 10-minute walk from the station and 5 minutes from the town centre. Sainte-Croix is less than an hour’s drive from Lausanne.
Visit duration : allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Accessibility : the entire museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Guided tours take a maximum of 25 people.
On site : a large car park is reserved for visitors.
Visitor tips
As the permanent exhibition can only be seen on a guided tour, check the tour times or book in advance. The guides are happy to answer questions about manufacturing techniques.
For families, the automata and moving mechanisms are sure to capture children’s attention. The village also offers hikes in the Jura, with views of the Alps on clear days.
Nearby attractions
- Chasseron is a 1,608 m summit in the Vaud Jura, with views over Lake Neuchâtel and the Alps.
- The Aiguilles de Baulmes are a natural site shaped by erosion, with cliffs and a sweeping panorama.
- Grandson Castle is a medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, linked to the Burgundian Wars.
Report an error or complete the informations
Reviews about this place