Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel

Perched on the picturesque hill of Saint-Nicolas in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel (Ethnographisches Museum Neuenburg) is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts and a beacon of innovative museology. This fascinating museum, often referred to by its acronym MEN, offers an extraordinary journey through the diverse cultures of the world, with a special focus on Africa. With over 50,000 objects in its collection, the museum provides a unique lens through which visitors can explore the rich tapestry of human civilization.

The History of Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel

The origins of the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel can be traced back to the late 18th century, when General Charles-Daniel de Meuron donated his natural history cabinet to the city in 1795. This initial collection included around 200 ethnographic pieces from Oceania, Asia, and Africa. Over the 19th century, the collection moved several times, reflecting the growing interest and expansion of ethnographic studies. It wasn’t until 1902 that the collections found a permanent home when James-Ferdinand de Pury bequeathed his villa on Saint-Nicolas Hill for the establishment of the museum. Officially inaugurated on July 14, 1904, the museum began its independent existence, growing steadily through donations, acquisitions, and scientific expeditions.

The Buildings and Renovations

The Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel is housed in a charming villa that has undergone significant transformations over the years. The original villa, designed by architect Léo Châtelain, was complemented by the addition of the Black Box in the 1950s, a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions. This modernist structure, adorned with a massive fresco by Hans Erni titled Les conquêtes de l’Homme, adds a contemporary touch to the museum’s historic charm. The Black Box was restored in 1986, and a new building connecting it to the villa was added to house the Institute of Ethnology of the University of Neuchâtel and a shared library.

In recent years, the museum has undergone extensive renovations, starting in 2015 with the villa and culminating in 2020 with the reopening of the Black Box. These renovations have not only preserved the historic integrity of the buildings but also enhanced the exhibition spaces, allowing for a more dynamic and interactive visitor experience.

Permanent Exhibition: The Impermanence of Things

Since November 25, 2017, the museum’s permanent exhibition, The Impermanence of Things, has been captivating visitors with its thought-provoking presentation. This exhibition delves into the history of the museum itself, exploring the evolution of its collections and the shifting perceptions of ethnographic objects. It challenges visitors to reflect on the transient nature of cultural artifacts and the role of museums in preserving and interpreting these objects. The exhibition is designed to be modular, with spaces that can be independently renewed, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

Temporary Exhibitions

The Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel is renowned for its innovative and often provocative temporary exhibitions. Since the 1980s, under the direction of Jacques Hainard and his successors, the museum has embraced a museology of rupture, presenting objects in unexpected ways to challenge conventional perceptions. The Black Box serves as the primary venue for these temporary exhibitions, which blend objects from the museum’s collections with newly acquired pieces to create engaging and often surprising narratives.

Recent notable exhibitions include Le mal du voyage (2020-2021), which examined the complexities of tourism, and L’impossible sauvage (2022), which explores the boundaries between the wild and the civilized. These exhibitions not only showcase the museum’s collections but also invite visitors to question their own assumptions and engage with broader cultural and social issues.

The Enchanting Park

Surrounding the museum is a lush park that adds to the allure of the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel. Designed in the 1870s, the park features a variety of remarkable trees, including three towering sequoias. This green oasis provides a serene backdrop for the museum and serves as an extension of the exhibition space. In 2021, the museum began hosting outdoor exhibitions in the park, starting with Mirages de l’objectif, a photographic display featuring images of the Wodaabe people taken by Henry Brandt in 1953. The park also houses permanent art installations, such as a slit drum from Vanuatu and an inuksuk constructed by Inuit artist Piita Irniq in 2019.

Exploring the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel

A visit to the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel is a journey through time and across continents. As you explore the museum’s diverse collections, you will encounter artifacts that tell stories of distant lands and ancient cultures. From intricately crafted masks and textiles to everyday objects that reveal the ingenuity of human creativity, each item offers a glimpse into the lives of people from around the world.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about the world, the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel promises an enriching and unforgettable experience. Its innovative approach to museology, combined with its stunning setting and diverse collections, makes it a must-visit destination in Neuchâtel. So, take a step into this captivating world and let the Musée d'ethnographie de Neuchâtel inspire your imagination and broaden your horizons.