Museum of Art and History of Delémont
Jura
The Museum of Art and History of Delémont, located in the Canton of Jura, Switzerland, serves as a prominent cultural center dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Jura's rich heritage. Founded in 1909 by historian Abbot Arthur Daucourt, the museum initially aimed to foster regional pride among youth. It houses seven permanent galleries that explore the area's geological past, ethnography, religious relics, local landscapes, regional symbolism, watchmaking industry, and Jura's geographic isolation. The museum has hosted significant exhibitions including retrospectives of sculptor Laurent Boillat and surrealist artist Gérard Bregnard, as well as photographic comparisons of historical and modern Jura. Following a thorough restoration in 2011, it continues to engage visitors with its diverse collections and educational programs, making it a vital institution for understanding Jura's identity and culture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and opening hours. The best time to visit is during spring and summer when special exhibitions and outdoor activities like the escape game are available. Advance booking is recommended for group visits and special events. Discounts are typically offered for students, seniors, and families. The museum is accessible by public transport and provides informative guided tours to enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •The museum was founded by Abbot Arthur Daucourt in 1909 to inspire local pride among children.
- •It features a unique 7th-century pastoral staff of South German origin, highlighting the region's early medieval history.
- •The museum's permanent galleries include a dedicated exhibition on Jura's watchmaking and microengineering industry.
- •In 2018, it hosted a comparative photography exhibition featuring 19th-century and contemporary images of the Jura region.
- •The institution moved to its own dedicated building, Maison Bennot, in 1922, after initially being housed in a college.
History
The museum was established in 1909 by Abbot Arthur Daucourt to promote regional heritage among children.
Initially located within the Collège de Delémont, it moved to Maison Bennot in 1922.
After the creation of the Canton of Jura in 1979, it was renamed Musée jurassien d'art et d'histoire.
A complete restoration was completed in 2011, modernizing the facilities and exhibition spaces to better serve the public.
Place Guide
Le Jura Gallery
This gallery presents historical and ethnographic artifacts from the Jura canton, illustrating the cultural and social history of the region.
Le Jurassique Gallery
Dedicated to the geological history of Jura, this gallery showcases fossils and geological formations that tell the story of the region's ancient past.
La tête de moine Gallery
Exhibits church relics from the Jura region, including religious artifacts that reflect the spiritual history of the area.
Ferme – Sapin – Cheval Gallery
Displays iconic images and artifacts representing the people, landscape, and natural environment of Jura.
Un drapeau Gallery
Explores the Jura region through the symbolism of its canton flag, highlighting regional identity and political history.
La décolleteuse Gallery
Showcases the Swiss watchmaking and microengineering industry, a key economic and cultural sector in Jura.
Le bout du monde Gallery
Explains the geographic remoteness of Jura canton and its impact on the region's development and culture.
Contact
Phone: 032 422 80 77
