The Roman Museum of Nyon is set within the foundations of the forum basilica, discovered in 1974. Here you can explore the heritage of the Colonia Iulia Equestris, founded in the 1st century BC, and its urban centre, Noviodunum.
Archaeological museums
Main highlights
- Authentic foundations of the Roman forum basilica, which define the museum’s layout
- Permanent collection of sculptures, models and everyday objects from antiquity
- Roman amphitheatre discovered in 1996, with a 50 m by 36 m arena, close to the museum
Overview
The Roman Museum of Nyon was founded in 1860 by schoolteacher Théodore Wellauer, who pioneered archaeology in Nyon. Today it occupies an underground space whose layout follows the foundation walls of the forum basilica, discovered in 1974.
Opened under its current name in 1979, it is listed as a Swiss cultural property of national significance. It was extended in 1993, gained an additional basement level in 1996 and was renovated in 2009. It tells the story of the Colonia Iulia Equestris, founded during Julius Caesar’s lifetime, and of Noviodunum, whose centre has remained in the same place since antiquity.
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What to see and do
The permanent exhibition combines ancient remains, models and digital displays. You will see sculptures and objects relating to daily life, culture and religion. They show how people lived on the shores of Lake Geneva 2,000 years ago and how Noviodunum grew into an important urban centre.
Nearby, the Roman amphitheatre was discovered in 1996. It was the sixth to be unearthed in Switzerland, after those of Avenches, Vindonissa, Augst, Martigny and Bern. Well preserved, it was built below the road that led to the vicus of Lousonna/Vidy. Its arena measures 50 m along its major axis and 36 m along its minor axis.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that regularly complement the permanent collection and explore various aspects of life in Roman times.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is just a stone’s throw from Nyon Castle and is easily reached on foot from the railway station.
Visit duration : allow one to two hours for the collections.
Visitors : a puzzle game makes the visit fun for children, with a small surprise at the end.
On site : digital displays to help you understand ancient ways of life.
Visiting tips
Combine your museum visit with a trip to the amphitheatre for a complete picture of Roman Nyon. A combined ticket gives access to several of Nyon’s heritage sites.
Then continue on foot into the old town, built on the layout of the ancient city.
Nearby attractions
- Nyon Castle, built in the 12th century, houses one of the oldest history museums in Switzerland.
- The Musée du Léman, facing the harbour since 1954, showcases the natural and human heritage of the lake.
- Bonmont Abbey, founded in 1123 in Chéserex, is the first Cistercian monastery in Switzerland.
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