A cultural oasis like no other
A cultural universe in perpetual effervescence
La Chaux-de-Fonds is a city where art and culture flourish fully. Throughout the year, a whirlwind of creativity animates the city and amazes residents and visitors alike. Inspired and unique artists freely express their talents, making La Chaux-de-Fonds a true cultural city in constant effervescence.
Museums and cultural sites: between memory and discoveries
In La Chaux-de-Fonds, the museums are like gateways to history, know-how and nature. International Museum of Horology highlights a unique heritage in the world, while the History Museum and the Peasant and Craft Museum tell the daily life and traditions of the Neuchâtel Mountains. MUZOO, an original and free place, combines a natural history museum and a small zoo in the heart of the city.
Around these institutions, the libraries invite you to discover warm spaces. Finally, the Club 44, an emblematic place of debate, invites people all year round to reflect and exchange ideas that are moving the world.
Art in all its forms
Visual arts enthusiasts will find what they are looking for at Museum of Fine Arts and at the contemporary art center HEADQUARTERS, two unmissable places where temporary exhibitions regularly surprise and challenge visitors. Whether you are a lover of classical or contemporary art, La Chaux-de-Fonds invites you to explore a world rich in colors and shapes.
Unmissable live performance scenes
The city also shines with the diversity of its live performance venues. From contemporary theatre to the majestic Italian-style theatre of L'Heure Bleue, or the famous Salle de Musique and its exceptional acoustics, La Chaux-de-Fonds offers a varied theatrical and musical offering all year round. Whether you are tempted by musicals, comedy shows or classical plays, venues such as the Théâtre des Abeilles, the ZAP Théâtre or the Turlutaine will satisfy all your desires.
"Culture is what makes man something other than an accident of the universe."
– André Malraux.
Contemporary creation and alternative scenes
Fans of contemporary creation will be delighted by the shows at the Théâtre Populaire Romand, a major hub in Switzerland, and by the bold proposals of the ABC Culture Center, always at the forefront. Other venues such as the ZAP Théâtre and Les Abeilles explore a variety of worlds, from comedy revues to musicals and classical plays.
A city that vibrates to the rhythm of music
La Chaux-de-Fonds is a city where music resonates on every street corner. Music lovers will enjoy the concerts of Perspectives Musiques, the Société de Musique, and the 1001 Harmonies, which offer a high-quality classical program. Those who prefer contemporary music can discover the concerts of Pôle Nord and vibrate to the sound of the events organized by Les Murs du Son. And for fans of current music, places such as Bikini Test, Burning Sound and Blizzard Audio Club immerse you in worlds ranging from rock to electro, including jazz, hip hop and metal.
Cinema, circus and much more
Movie lovers gather around a screen in places like the ABC Cinema, Passion Cinéma or La Lanterne Magique, which offer films for all tastes. As for the circus arts, they come to life at Circo Bello, a place where internationally renowned circus artists perform. Younger visitors will enjoy the puppets of La Turlutaine, while the Swiss Centre for Street Arts Creation (CCHAR) continues to write a new page in the city's artistic history.
Don't miss any of the events that make La Chaux-de-Fonds vibrate
Festivals, popular festivals, sporting events… The city is lively all year round! Whether you are a fan of culture, street art or thrills, find an event that suits you in the calendar of festivities
Did you know?
Club44 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, founded in 1944, is a place for debate and intellectual exchange that is unique in Switzerland. Thinkers, scientists and creators from all over the world come to share their ideas and reflections on contemporary and historical subjects.