The Valais Nature Museum in Sion presents the animals, plants and minerals of the canton through collections of nearly 200,000 objects. The exhibition also explores the relationship between humans and their environment, right up to the Anthropocene.
Natural science museums
Main highlights
- Nearly 200,000 objects : mammals, birds, insects, plants, minerals and fossils from Valais
- A space devoted to the Anthropocene, a subject the museum was the first to give a place to
- Dioramas recreating Valais habitats, from arid zones to Alpine summits
Overview
The Valais Nature Museum is the leading institution for the canton’s natural heritage. It is located in Sion’s historic quarter, between the hills of Valère and Tourbillon, and is one of the Cantonal Museums of Valais, alongside the Art Museum and the History Museum.
Founded in 1829 by the Jesuit priest Étienne Elearts as the “Cabinet of Natural History”, the museum has moved buildings six times. Since 2013, its galleries have occupied the Galerie de la Grange-à-l’Évêque on Rue des Châteaux. Its collections reflect nearly two hundred years of scientific work in Valais.
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What to see and do
The collections cover mineralogy, palaeontology, botany, entomology and vertebrates. They include 80,000 insects and 70,000 other specimens, and serve as a reference for understanding and conserving the canton’s biological and mineralogical diversity. The display cases feature endemic species and geological formations from Valais.
The exhibition traces the evolving relationship between humans and their environment. The galleries show the animals, plants and minerals typical of the canton’s natural habitats. Dioramas recreate these habitats, from the arid zones of the valley floor to the Alpine summits.
The museum was the first to devote space to the Anthropocene, the geological era in which Homo sapiens became the main driver of global environmental change. The educational design encourages visitors to reflect on our relationship with nature.
Practical information
Getting there : the museum is located in Sion’s historic quarter, within easy walking distance of the town centre.
Visit duration : allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to see all the permanent collections.
Audience : the exhibits are designed for adults and children alike.
On site : lockers at the reception desk let you store your belongings.
Visiting tips
With children, the insect and mammal collections are particularly captivating. Take time to observe the details of the dioramas. The Anthropocene section is a great starting point for a discussion about environmental issues. The other two Cantonal Museums are close by, making it easy to combine visits.
Nearby
- The Basilica of Valère, a fortified 12th-century basilica, houses the oldest playable organ in the world.
- The Valais History Museum, in Valère Castle, traces 50,000 years of human history in the Alps.
- Tourbillon Castle, the former residence of the bishops of Sion, offers panoramic views over the town from its ruins.
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