If you are fascinated with photography and camera's, then you will love the Musée Suisse de l'appareil Photographique. This popular camera museum displays many exhibits relating to historic photography and the advent of modern camera's. The 5 storied museum showcases iconic printed images along with featuring an incredible camera range. So, if you are a dedicated fan of camera's and photography, this museum in particular will instantly catch your interest. Call ahead fro more details.
Located in the village of Le Bouveret, on the brink of Lake Geneva, discover a miniature Swiss world, replete with stunning replicas of Switzerland's landmarks. Meandering through the thick of these model buildings are 16 locomotives, eight of which are steam-powered. The trains go along eight tracks that intertwine their way through the length of this beautiful, scenic park. The park includes a 700-meter (5577.42 feet) track, along with 1200 meters (3937 feet) of walking trails. The Swiss Vapeur Parc hosts the Swiss International Film Festival in June every year. Visitation hours vary as per the season, so check the official website prior to planning your visit.
A one of a kind tribute to the rich heritage of computers, Musee Bolo was set up in 2002 and is housed in the IT building of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne. It was the passion and love of computers of Yves Bolognini - the engineer who gave his nickname Bolo museum that gave birth to this collection. The Museum is home to thousands of objects from the history of computing and information technology and is aimed at highlighting the progress made in terms of technology and industrial design. The exhibits include the first real personal computer general public by IBM, the first Mac and more than 500 different machines, including game consoles and calculators as well. The constant miniaturization of machines and computers is beautifully measured and displayed by placing different memories or PC motherboards side by side for easy comparison.
Charming public gardens, planted with exotic trees and shrubs and displaying bronze statues, lead you up to the museum. Once at the top, one can see the modern building is truly inspired by a Greek temple with its white marble façade. Two rows of white columns at the entrance carry the names of the towns that have hosted the Olympic games and the Olympic flame burns in an ornamental granite bowl illustrating the myth of Prometheus. The exhibition leads you through the history of the Olympic games, starting with Ancient Greece. There are beautifully preserved terracotta figures, gold laurel wreathes and marble sculptures to see. On display are all the torches that have been carried in every event since 1936 and a great collection of stamps, coins and medals bearing images of the Olympics. Huge video screens and stereo sound help the viewer to experience a part of the apprehension, excitement and concentration, the athlete encounters before an event.
The notion of Art Brut (crude/raw art) was introduced around 1945 by French painter Jean Dubuffet. The term applies to pieces created by those who have not been influenced by other artists, people who have escaped cultural conditioning. The painters and sculptors whose work is exhibited in this museum are therefore outcasts (prisoners, psychiatric patients, etc.). The exhibition on offer is complemented by temporary ones, each more original, surprising, and even more overwhelming than the next.
The Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle) is the most visited historical building in the country. Located 20 minutes away by train (just outside Montreux), this fortress dates back to the 11th century and is worth a visit. Try to avoid the massive number of tourists who flock here during the summer months by arriving early. And if you are able to, take the train to Montreux and walk along the lake to the castle. One piece of advice, a tourist stall screens a video of the castle right outside the entrance. Try not to be one of those people who become glued to the screen when the real thing is towering above your head!