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Musée de la Machine à Écrire

The Musée de la Machine à Écrire in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the first museum in Switzerland and one of the few in the world dedicated exclusively to the typewriter and, by extension, to office machines such as calculators and perforators. Its collection comprises over 1,000 typewriters, 150 calculating machines and numerous accessories tracing the history of the office, with a rich Paillard Hermes heritage. Visitors can discover iconic machines from the late 19th and 20th centuries, including exceptional pieces such as Braille typewriters made in Lausanne. The museum also features a typing bar where visitors can try out functional machines, and hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The museum welcomes families and children, who can discover the collection of typewriters and try out the functional machines at the typing bar. The museum also hosts playful and festive activities such as slam evenings, concerts, readings and game nights.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: Donation based
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Crafts and industry

    • Guided tours: Yes

    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits

Opening hours

Open Wednesday to Friday from 12:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00; closed Sunday to Tuesday.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
12:00-18:00
Thursday
12:00-18:00
Friday
12:00-18:00
Saturday
10:00-17:00
Sunday
Closed

Admission fees

0 CHF
The museum visit is currently at a free price (pay what you wish).

Contact

Webpage
machineaecrire.ch
Email
musee@machineaecrire.ch
Address
Rue des Terreaux 18b, 1003 Lausanne

Access

Nearby stops

  • Lausanne, Chauderon250 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
9m
Genève
59m
Martigny
1h 5m
Bern
1h 20m
Sion
1h 20m

FAQ

  • Can I try out a typewriter during my visit?
    Yes, the museum features a typing bar (bar à taper) where five functional typewriters are available for visitors to use.
  • Are guided tours available and how are they booked?
    Guided tours are organized by appointment and can be booked via the contact form, by email or by phone at +41 79 229 13 03.
  • Is there a café or restaurant at the museum?
    Yes, the café of the Mécano-scriptophile, which shares the space with the museum, offers drinks, snacks and other treats at the end of your visit.
  • Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?
    Yes, the museum space, the café and the toilets are accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, visitors are invited to contact the museum.
  • Is the museum closed during the summer?
    The museum closes for its summer break in July and August and reopens in the autumn.

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