Laténium
Neuchâtel
Located in Hauterive near Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Laténium is the country's largest archaeology museum, named after the nearby La Tène site that gave its name to the European Iron Age. The museum and its 2.5-hectare archaeological park are situated on former excavation sites dating from the Upper Paleolithic, Bronze Age, and Neolithic periods uncovered during motorway construction. The museum's permanent exhibition displays approximately 3,000 carefully selected artifacts from a vast collection of over 525,000 pieces, spanning 50,000 years of European prehistory through to the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings, a Celtic bridge, a Gallo-Roman ship, and other ancient structures, alongside modern artworks. The park offers a unique outdoor experience with dolmens, glacial erratics, and demonstrations of ancient crafts and experimental archaeology. Laténium also houses the archaeological section of the Heritage Offices of the State of Neuchâtel and the University of Neuchâtel's chair of prehistory, making it a center for research and education. Its engaging exhibits and outdoor installations provide an immersive journey into Europe's distant past, emphasizing the cultural heritage of the Neuchâtel region.
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Tip: To fully enjoy Laténium, plan your visit during weekdays outside peak holiday seasons for a quieter experience. Tickets can be purchased onsite, but checking the official website for any special exhibitions or events beforehand is recommended. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. The outdoor archaeological park is accessible year-round, weather permitting, so dress accordingly. Guided tours and educational workshops are available and advisable for deeper understanding. Booking group visits or special programs in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
Interesting facts
- •Laténium is named after the nearby La Tène site, which gave its name to the European Iron Age's second phase.
- •The museum's collection includes over 525,000 artifacts, making it one of the largest archaeology collections in Switzerland.
- •The archaeological park features experimental reconstructions such as a Gallo-Roman ship and a Celtic bridge.
- •Laténium was the first Swiss museum to receive the European Museum of the Year Award in 2003.
- •The museum is built on former lakebed sites that were excavated after lowering the lake level by 2.7 meters during the Jura waters correction.
History
The Laténium museum was inaugurated in 2001 after over two decades of planning and public approval, including a 1996 referendum where 66% of Neuchâtel's population voted in favor.
It was established on archaeological sites excavated during the construction of the A5 motorway and the Jura waters correction, which uncovered numerous artifacts from lake dwellings and prehistoric settlements.
These discoveries fueled the need for a dedicated archaeology museum in the canton, replacing the smaller existing museum.
Since its opening, Laténium has become a leading institution for archaeology in Switzerland, recognized by awards such as the European Museum of the Year in 2003 and a medal for archaeological mediation in 2018.
Place Guide
Archaeological Park
A 2.5-hectare open-air park featuring reconstructions of prehistoric and ancient structures including a Bronze Age stilt house, a Celtic bridge, a Gallo-Roman ship, and a fisher's house with a pirogue. The park also displays dolmens, glacial erratics, and selected regional plants, offering visitors an immersive experience of past environments.
Permanent Exhibition2001
The museum's permanent exhibition spans 2,200 square meters and displays around 3,000 artifacts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The exhibition is didactically arranged to guide visitors from modern humans back through prehistoric times, showcasing tools and cultural developments of various hominid species including Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Homo erectus.
Bevaix Boat Exhibit
A centerpiece of the museum is the Bevaix boat, a 20-meter-long Gallo-Roman ship discovered in Bevaix. It is displayed indoors and represents ancient watercraft technology from the region.
Contact
Phone: 032 889 69 17
