Lake Geneva Museum

Lake Geneva Museum, known locally as Musée du Léman, is a fascinating destination located in the picturesque town of Nyon, Switzerland. This unique museum, founded in 1954 by Edgar Pelichet, a passionate Nyon native, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural, cultural, and human heritage of Lake Geneva. With over 22,000 objects and approximately 100,000 documents in its collection, the museum offers an extensive and immersive journey into the history and ecology of this magnificent lake.

Discover the Aquariums

One of the highlights of the Lake Geneva Museum is its impressive aquarium section. Here, visitors can explore five large tanks that represent the various natural habitats found in and around Lake Geneva. The aquariums feature around 18 different species of fish, as well as a variety of invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. This section provides a unique opportunity to observe the diverse aquatic life of the lake in environments that closely mimic their natural settings, from the shallow shores to the deep waters.

Nautical Wonders: Pleasure Boats and Latin Sail Boats

The museum's collection of boats is particularly noteworthy, with over 50 full-sized vessels and more than 150 scale models on display. One room is dedicated to the traditional boating festivals organized by the boatmen's guilds, showcasing seven emblematic events through models and traditional rowing boats. Another room focuses on the Latin sail boats, which were historically used for transporting goods across the lake until the advent of the railway in 1856. This exhibit features a variety of artifacts, including paintings, prints, engravings, and models, as well as significant pieces like the rudder of the brig Victoire and the crew's stove from the barge La Reine Berthe.

The CGN Steamships

The Lake Geneva Museum also pays homage to the famous CGN steamships, which are considered national historical monuments in Switzerland. Visitors can marvel at the steam engine of the Helvétie and explore the opulent first-class salons with their rich wooden panels. The exhibit also includes an interactive telegraph system, allowing visitors to experience how orders were relayed between the captain and the engineer.

The Piccard Family's Innovations

Another fascinating section of the museum is dedicated to the groundbreaking inventions of the Piccard family. Auguste, Jacques, and Bertrand Piccard are renowned for their contributions to science and exploration, including stratospheric balloons, submarines, and solar-powered aircraft. The exhibit features numerous photographs, films, life-sized reconstructions, and scale models of their innovative creations, providing a captivating insight into their pioneering spirit.

The Tsunami Exhibit

The museum's permanent exhibition on tsunamis, created in collaboration with Laurent Graenicher and geologist Pierre-Yves Frei, explores the geological risks associated with Lake Geneva. This exhibit delves into the history of tsunamis in the region, including the Tauredunum event in the 6th century and other significant tsunamis that have occurred over the past 3,750 years. It offers a compelling look at the potential for future tsunamis and the scientific research that has uncovered these historical events.

Rescue Operations on Lake Geneva

The rescue operations exhibit traces the history of lifesaving efforts on Lake Geneva, from local independent rescue societies to the founding of the International Lifesaving Society of Lake Geneva (SISL). This exhibit highlights the establishment of rescue stations around the lake and the efforts to provide swift assistance to people and boats in distress.

The Fisherman's Hut

Step into the world of professional fishing on Lake Geneva with the museum's recreation of a traditional fisherman's hut. This exhibit showcases the evolution of fishing materials, such as nets, and provides insights into the quotas and tonnages of recent years, fish preparation techniques, and fishing permits. It offers a glimpse into the life of a fisherman and the long-standing tradition of fishing in the region.

Natural Sciences Exhibit

The Petite Nature exhibit, with its 36 questions about the lake, offers a comprehensive understanding of Lake Geneva from a natural sciences perspective. This interactive exhibit covers a wide range of topics, including the lake's fauna, flora, natural resources, meteorology, geology, chemistry, and limnology. Visitors can explore questions like Are the shores of the lake natural? and What is the color of the lake? while traveling around, on, and in the lake. The exhibit also addresses the historical changes to the lake and the impacts of natural phenomena and human activities.

The Lake Geneva Documentation Center

Established in 1998, the Lake Geneva Documentation Center houses an extensive collection of books, journals, documents, and iconographic sources related to the lake and its culture. With over 3,500 books, 320 journal titles, 800 documentary files, and numerous collections, the center is a valuable resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the lake's navigation, shipbuilding, fishing, limnology, ecology, and aquatic sports and leisure activities.

In conclusion, the Lake Geneva Museum offers a rich and diverse exploration of the lake's natural, cultural, and human heritage. From its impressive aquariums and boat collections to the innovative exhibits on the Piccard family's inventions and the history of rescue operations, the museum provides a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of Lake Geneva, the Lake Geneva Museum is a must-visit destination in Nyon, Switzerland.