Jurassica Museum
Jura
The Jurassica Museum, located in Jura, Switzerland, is a unique educational site focused on paleontology and geological time. It features dinosaur footprints from sauropods and theropods visible in the interior courtyard of the Technical Division of the Jura Teaching and Training Center (CEJEF) in Porrentruy. Visitors can also explore life-size dinosaur sketches and two clocks that illustrate the vastness of geological time compared to precise human time measurement. The museum is open from April to October and offers free access around the clock, making it an accessible destination for both casual visitors and enthusiasts. The museum is part of a broader effort to showcase the region's rich fossil record and geological history. It provides an engaging experience that connects visitors with the prehistoric past through tangible traces and educational displays. Although smaller and less commercialized than large-scale dinosaur parks, Jurassica Museum emphasizes scientific education and local heritage.
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Tip: The museum is best visited between April and October when it is officially open, but the courtyard with dinosaur footprints is accessible 24/7 for free. Visitors interested in paleontology should allow time to explore the outdoor displays and learn about geological time. Advance booking is not required, and there are no entrance fees. Combining a visit with nearby natural sites like the Damphreux marshes or Banné excavations can enrich the experience.
Interesting facts
- •The museum features real dinosaur footprints of sauropods and theropods visible in an interior courtyard.
- •Two clocks at the site help visitors understand geological time compared to precise human time measurement.
- •Access to the footprint displays is free and available 24 hours a day.
- •The museum is part of the Jura Teaching and Training Center (CEJEF), highlighting its educational mission.
History
The Jurassica Museum is situated within the Technical Division of the Jura Teaching and Training Center (CEJEF) in Porrentruy, where recent expansions uncovered dinosaur footprints.
These tracks, belonging to sauropods and theropods, have been preserved and made accessible to the public.
The museum's development reflects a growing regional interest in promoting Jura's paleontological heritage.
While the site itself is modern, the dinosaur footprints date back millions of years, providing a direct link to the Jurassic period.
The museum's establishment aligns with efforts to educate the public about geological time and prehistoric life in the Jura region.
Place Guide
Dinosaur Footprints CourtyardJurassic Period (approx. 150 million years ago)
An open courtyard displaying authentic sauropod and theropod footprints uncovered during recent excavations. These footprints provide visitors with a tangible connection to the Jurassic period and are accompanied by life-size dinosaur sketches to contextualize the prehistoric creatures.
Geological Time ClocksModern installation
Two clocks installed in the courtyard illustrate the concept of geological time, comparing millions of years to precise human time measurements such as milliseconds. This educational feature helps visitors grasp the immense scale of Earth's history.
Contact
Phone: 032 420 92 00
