Perched on the hill of Saint-Nicolas, the Ethnography Museum of Neuchâtel (MEN) invites you to discover a unique cultural heritage in Switzerland, nestled in the heart of a magnificent park overlooking the city. This museum, rich in innovative exhibitions, is renowned far beyond our borders for the quality of its collections and its profound approach to the study of human societies. If you have a passion for ethnology, the arts, and the discovery of world cultures, a visit to the MEN is simply a must.
The museum houses around 50,000 objects from all corners of the globe, with a particular focus on Africa. You will find collections from regions as diverse as East Africa, the Sahara, and Asia and Oceania. Each object tells a story, bears witness to a culture, and encourages reflection on the diversity and universality of human experiences. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, you will be moved by the wealth of narratives presented by the various exhibitions.
Stay at Hôtel Beaulac, perfectly located to discover everything Neuchâtel and its surroundings have to offer.
Cultural journey at the Ethnography Museum
The Ethnography Museum doesn’t just showcase exotic artefacts; it questions our perception of cultures and the world around us. This is what makes each exhibition particularly engaging, especially the current “Cargo Cults Unlimited”. This exhibition offers a reflection on the global economy through the lens of “cargo cults”, millenarian rituals that arose in 19th-century Melanesia, strangely echoing our modern obsession with mass consumption and material wealth.
You can wander through immersive settings, such as a container port, or explore cardboard offices, symbols of an economic world defined by protocols, rituals, and beliefs. This playful and educational approach is ideal for both adults and younger visitors, and the museum even offers child-friendly materials, allowing the whole family to enjoy this fascinating reflection on contemporary lifestyles.
The "Grandeur Nature" Exhibition
The “Grandeur Nature” exhibition takes place outdoors in the park surrounding the Ethnography Museum of Neuchâtel (MEN) from 5th July 2024 to 30th March 2025. Designed as a “poetic walk through the museum’s photographic collections”, this exhibition highlights the depiction of nature in the institution’s archives.
Although the museum primarily focuses on social and cultural practices, nature was also extensively photographed by ethnologists, missionaries, and travellers. The exhibition showcases how these images reflect both a fascination with landscapes and an attempt to situate humans in their natural environment.
Six thematic sections are presented, exploring topics such as scale, the relationship between architecture and landscape, and the garden as a space where humans impose their mastery over nature.
Rather than a didactic approach, “Grandeur Nature” invites visitors to wander, dream, and reflect on how travellers, past and present, have viewed nature.
Permanent Exhibitions and Research at the MEN
In addition to the temporary exhibitions, the MEN presents a permanent exhibition titled “The Impermanence of Things”, which explores the constant transformations of human societies and material objects. This exhibition provides an in-depth look at the museum’s collections and the questions raised by their acquisition, preservation, and display over time. The tour immerses visitors in the history of the museum, from its founding to its current projects, while highlighting the ethical issues related to collecting and exhibiting objects from other cultures.
The MEN also collaborates closely with the Institute of Ethnology at the University of Neuchâtel, making it a dynamic research centre and a preferred place of study for students and researchers in the social sciences. This synergy between academic research and museum activities reinforces the MEN’s mission, not only to preserve and exhibit ethnographic objects but also to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about human societies.
Children's Workshop
The MEN also strives to make its exhibitions accessible to young audiences. The Museum Workshop, a joint initiative of the museums of Neuchâtel, offers thematic workshops for children of all ages. These workshops, such as “The Mummy in Good Company” or “Crousille, Tontine and Piggy Bank”, are designed to spark curiosity in younger generations while providing them with tools to understand cultural diversity. They are an excellent way for families to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of foreign cultures together.
These educational activities allow children to discover the exhibitions in a playful and interactive way while developing their critical thinking and understanding of the world. Whether through making puppets inspired by local traditions or participating in educational games about the global economy, these workshops offer an original and engaging way to explore the issues raised by the exhibitions.
A stay at Hôtel Beaulac: comfort and culture combined
After visiting the MEN, why not extend the experience by staying at Hôtel Beaulac? Located just a few minutes from the museum, this lakeside hotel offers the perfect setting to relax after a day full of discoveries. The hotel combines modern comfort with stunning views of Lake Neuchâtel, making it the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal at the Lake Side restaurant.
You can also take a walk along the lake or simply admire the sunset from your room. Hôtel Beaulac is a peaceful haven, perfect for rest and reflection, making it the ideal way to end a day of cultural exploration.
Concluding your cultural journey
The Ethnography Museum of Neuchâtel is undoubtedly a centre for reflection on our globalised world, a place where cultures and questions about humanity intersect.
By visiting the MEN, you will not only observe objects from the past, but also be invited to reflect on the present and future of human societies.
Combine this with a stay at Hôtel Beaulac, and you have the perfect recipe for a complete cultural immersion in Neuchâtel. The MEN and Hôtel Beaulac promise you an unforgettable experience – guaranteed!
