In Neuchâtel, the city’s medieval stones are coming back to life.
From 18 December 2025, one of its most iconic towers will reopen to the public under a new and evocative name: Tour du Fantastique.
A space entirely dedicated to imagination, artistic creation, and wonder — opening with an exceptional exhibition by John Howe, the world-renowned illustrator of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. (Ticket link here)
A medieval tower turned into a world of fantasy
Standing in the heart of Neuchâtel’s old town, the tower has undergone a stunning transformation. Once closed and silent, it is now a vibrant cultural venue celebrating fantasy in all its forms — from painting and illustration to cinema, literature, and video games.
Each year, the Tour du Fantastique will host a major immersive exhibition, along with workshops, masterclasses, talks, and encounters with artists from around the world.
Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to transport visitors into extraordinary worlds while shining a light on Swiss creativity.
John Howe and the birth of a legend in Neuchâtel
To inaugurate this new chapter, the first exhibition promises to be truly spectacular: “Journey through the Worlds of John Howe.”
Spread across four floors, it features over 250 original artworks by the master of fantasy — dragons, floating cities, enchanted forests, and misty mountains.
These images have inspired generations of readers and movie lovers. A native of Neuchâtel, John Howe has been personally involved in the project. He even designed the logo of the Tour and will establish his studio inside the tower itself.
This close connection gives the exhibition a rare authenticity — a meeting between an artist and the city that helped shape his imagination.
A surprising link between Tolkien and Neuchâtel
Few visitors know that J.R.R. Tolkien was deeply inspired by Switzerland during his 1911 journey through the Alps. The archaeological site of La Tène, near Lake Neuchâtel, is said to have inspired his vision of Lake Town in The Hobbit.
This connection lives on through Howe’s work: the Jura hills, the forests along the lakeshore, and the soft light over Neuchâtel echo the landscapes of Middle-earth.
The exhibition celebrates this subtle dialogue between imagination and reality — between Switzerland as it is, and the one that exists in legend.
A perfect winter escape
This winter, the Tour du Fantastique stands out as one of Neuchâtel’s must-see attractions. It will delight fantasy lovers, art enthusiasts, and families looking for an inspiring activity during the festive season.
After your visit, extend the magic with a stay at the Hôtel Beaulac, just a short walk away on the lakeside. Enjoy dinner at the Lake Side Restaurant, a cocktail at the Waves Rooftop Bar, or simply relax while admiring the snow-capped peaks reflected in the water.
An exhibition, a place full of history, and a lakeside hotel — everything you need to make this winter in Neuchâtel truly memorable.
Book your stay at beaulac.ch or by phone at +41 32 723 11 11.
