Museum of Music Automatons

The Museum of Music Automatons in Seewen (Solothurn, Switzerland) houses one of the world's largest collections of original Swiss music boxes as well as fascinating musical automatons spanning several centuries. The collection comprises around 1,350 objects and over 12,000 music rolls and other storage media, including music boxes, orchestrions, mechanical musical instruments, musical clocks, phonographs, gramophones and jukeboxes. The museum presents a permanent exhibition and changing special exhibitions on mechanical music and timepieces.

Families and Kids

The museum offers a varied program to introduce children and teenagers to the magical world of mechanical music. Families can explore the fascinating collection of music boxes, automatons and musical instruments together.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Science and technology
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Tours and demonstrations
    • Free entrance: No

Opening hours

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00-18:00
Wednesday
11:00-18:00
Thursday
11:00-18:00
Friday
11:00-18:00
Saturday
11:00-18:00
Sunday
11:00-18:00

Contact

Webpage
musikautomaten.ch
Email
musikautomaten@bak.admin.ch
Address
Bollhübel 1, 4206 Seewen

Access

Nearby stops

  • Seewen SO, Zelgli550 meters walking distance
  • Seewen SO, Löhr900 meters walking distance
  • Seewen SO, Herrenmatt1100 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Basel SBB
33m
Olten
50m
Zürich HB
1h 30m
Bern
1h 32m
Luzern
1h 38m

FAQ

  • How can I reach the museum by public transport?
    PostBus routes from Liestal or Dornach serve Seewen, with stops at 'Seewen, Zelgli' (approx. 10-minute walk, steep incline) or 'Seewen, Herrenmatt' (approx. 25-minute walk, steep incline); the walking route is signposted.
  • Is there parking available at the museum?
    The museum has its own car park right next to the building, with free parking spaces for cars and coaches, separate stands for motorcycles and bicycles, and several charging stations for e-bikes.
  • Are guided tours of the exhibition available?
    Guided tours of the exhibition start in the reception area and last 60 minutes, with tours at 12:20, 13:40, 15:00 and 16:20. Public guided tours and demonstrations of the fairground and dance organs are also offered.
  • Does the museum offer programs for families and children?
    Yes, the Museum of Music Automatons offers a varied program to introduce children and teenagers to the magical world of mechanical music.
  • What facilities does the museum offer on site?
    The museum includes a reception area with a foyer, a restaurant with a terrace offering views of the countryside, an additional exhibition room and a shop.

Included in