Museum of Automatic Lathes and History of Moutier

The Museum of Automatic Lathes and History of Moutier (MTAH) in Moutier, Switzerland, houses a unique collection of around a hundred automatic lathes (décolleteuses) that bear witness to over a century of precision mechanics tradition. Located in the historic Villa Junker, built in 1895, the museum tells the story of the industrial history of Moutier and the Prévôté region, shaped by pioneers such as Nicolas Junker. Its collections also include thousands of documents and objects relating to the local industrial past, as well as an online inventory of books and documents. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The museum aims to awaken the curiosity of young people for mechanics and its history. Children under 16 enter free of charge. The museum also organises activities and events aimed at younger audiences.

Information

  • Visit duration: 75 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Crafts and industry
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Tours and demonstrations
    • Entrance fee: 7 CHF
    • Free entrance: No
    • Price range: $

Opening hours

Open Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30; closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, weekends and public holidays. Visits by appointment only.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
09:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:30
Friday
09:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:30
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Admission fees

7 CHF
Adult admission
5 CHF
Student admission
5 CHF
Senior admission
0 CHF
Free for children under 16

Contact

Webpage
museedutour.ch
Email
info@museedutour.ch
Address
Rue Industrielle 121, 2740 Moutier

Access

Nearby stops

  • Moutier, Aux Laives50 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Neuchâtel
53m
Bern
1h 3m
Olten
1h 9m
Basel SBB
1h 13m
Thun
1h 41m

FAQ

  • Are visits to the museum possible outside the regular opening hours?
    Yes, for groups of at least 7 people it is possible to organise visits outside the museum's opening hours. All visits are by appointment only.
  • In which languages are guided tours offered?
    Guided tours are offered in French, German and English.
  • How long does a guided tour of the museum last?
    A guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Is there free parking available near the museum?
    Yes, free parking is available directly opposite the museum.
  • Is the museum closed during the summer?
    The museum announces a summer closure period, for example from 20 to 31 July 2026.

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