The Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Neuchâtel, also known in English as the Natural History Museum, sits on the Rue des Terreaux in the centre of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It is a natural stop for anyone curious about the land and living things around the town.
What you will see
The museum concentrates on the region itself. Its collections cover regional flora and fauna, minerals, and geological specimens, so the displays read as a portrait of the landscape you will see from the lake and the surrounding hills.
- Dioramas of local wildlife, arranged to show the animals of the area in their settings.
- Minerals and geological specimens, which connect the rocks underfoot to the wider story of the land.
- Educational exhibits on the Jura region, a useful introduction if you are travelling through the mountains nearby.
Who it suits
The museum works well for families with children, for visitors interested in geology or local nature, and for anyone who wants a quieter hour indoors on a day of changing weather. Because the exhibits are focused on one region, a visit gives context that you can carry into walks and excursions afterwards.
Around the museum
The museum is in Neuchâtel, a town on the shore of Lake Neuchâtel with the Jura mountains behind it. Its old town and lakeside are within easy reach on foot, so a visit can be combined with a walk along the water or a meal in the centre. For practical details such as current opening times and admission, contact the museum directly by telephone at +41 32 717 79 60.