Museum of Art and History

I visited the museum on 15.12.24 Sunday, even tho my expectations were low with this museum, it was one of the worst museums that I have been visiting recently. I even felt that I am not welcomed here when I am buying a ticket at the entrance. The personnel were acting like "why did you come here" ... No description, no info about the museum maybe right? no hospitality, no, nothing... Moreover, most of the descriptions were in French.. this is a very good idea for non-French speaking tourists for this I want to congratulate the museum committee... Most of the decorations inside the museum were so ordinary that you can see anywhere in Neuchatel.. so I had a difficult time understanding why they were depicted like those... Lastly, the main door direction is wrong, the direction should be to the outside not inside...

A really nice museum! Staff is so friendly! As most of the places in Switzerland to be honest. We had a guided tour ( in French though). You can literally spend hours in there and you will not the bored if you like to find new information about their culture and their country. I personally liked it and I recommend it. Enjoy it!

The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Neuchâtel is a renowned museum in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, that hosts a permanent exhibition dedicated to the legendary Jaquet-Droz automatons. Created in the 18th century by the celebrated Swiss watchmaker Pierre Jaquet-Droz, these automatons represent an extraordinary achievement in the fields of horology and mechanical artistry. The display includes three of Jaquet-Droz’s most famous automatons: The Writer, The Draughtsman, and The Musician. These intricate, life-sized mechanical figures were designed to perform specific, human-like actions, captivating audiences and pushing the boundaries of what was technically possible at the time. 1. The Writer – This automaton is designed to write customized text. It consists of a sophisticated system of cams and gears, allowing it to compose words on paper with a quill, just like a human scribe. With over 6,000 components, The Writer can be programmed to write up to 40 characters in various combinations, showcasing an early form of programmable machinery. 2. The Draughtsman – This automaton draws various images, including portraits, royal figures, and animals. Like The Writer, it uses complex mechanics to create precise drawings, demonstrating Jaquet-Droz’s expertise in creating life-like motion and artistic skill through mechanical means. 3. The Musician – This automaton is designed to play a real instrument, producing music that enchants viewers. It mimics the actions of a musician with lifelike movements, playing tunes on a keyboard and even breathing to enhance its realism. Jaquet-Droz’s automatons were not just technical marvels but also significant cultural artifacts. They symbolize the fascination with mechanics, the blending of art and science, and the ingenuity of the Enlightenment period. Today, these creations continue to inspire, attracting watch enthusiasts, engineers, and art lovers to Neuchâtel to witness these masterpieces in motion. The museum’s exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of automation and its impact on horology, showcasing the rich legacy of Jaquet-Droz and the lasting influence of his work on the evolution of watches and robotics.

An excellent example of non-intrusive digital technology that enriches the overall museum experience. I was pleasantly surprised to see dedicated content for children, accessible through a QR code. An almost invisible boundary between the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition dedicated to MOVEMENT (of people/migration). Did a little Google image search on some of the artworks presented and found them mostly in other articles. Could be something that the museum can improve and make its content more prominent and give its own interpretation.

It was a good museum to go through the history of Neuchatel. Very nice paintings and other exhibitions of armaries etc. One should have interest in Museums to enjoy this because there was nothing fascinating about anything there. There was a exhibition of mechanical automated machines in human form for writing and playing music. That could have been interesting if we could have end up on the day when they show the demo. Honestly they should do it everyday. What goes in favour of museum is the location 🙂

Gorgeous 19th century museum in the city center and by the lakeside. Perfect for couples or solo travelers. The museum is quick to visit, the staff is kind, the facilities are clean and well-kept. My mother and I went to visit the temporary exhibition on marvelous paintings by the Robert brothers. Benches are posted in every room for your leisure. We had a splendid time! Entrance is free on Wednesdays. The museum is also in front of a hotel/restaurant and nearby parkings for your convenience.

Very good regional museum with permanent collections (local and international artists) and also one or two temporary exhibitions. Parking around is very easy (not free) and the promenade outside near the lake is very pleasant on sunny days.

This is an impressive museum considering it is a provincial one. They had pieces by Rodin, Monet and Cezanne. The exhibit depicting the history of the town was most interesting. Adults pay 8 CHF, children free. Nice clean and modern toilets and free lockers.