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Swiss Museum for Electronic Music Instruments (smem)

The smem (Swiss Museum and Centre for Electronic Music Instruments) in Fribourg, Switzerland, is home to one of the world's most important collections of electronic music instruments. Conceived as a living archive, it stores, studies and explores the instruments behind the music scenes of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Around 5,000 devices, from synthesizers to drum machines, effects equipment and mixing consoles, can be discovered in its Schaulager. A selection of instruments can be used and experimented with in the smem's Playroom by anyone, from professionals to beginners. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and events.

Families and Kids

The smem offers hands-on workshops for families and school groups, such as drawing sounds, exploring legendary synthesizers and playing the theremin. The Playroom lets children and beginners experiment with real electronic instruments, and entrance to the guided tour is free for anyone under 16.

Information

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

Opening hours

The Schaulager offers public guided tours every Saturday and Sunday at 15:00; the Playroom is open on Saturdays for Playroom Sessions from 13:00 to 17:00.

Admission fees

10 CHF
Public guided tour of the Schaulager (during opening hours), CHF 10.00 per person.
5 CHF
Reduced fare for students/AHV/IV on the public guided tour, CHF 5.00.
0 CHF
Free entrance for anyone under the age of 16 on the guided tour.
50 CHF
Playroom Session (tour included), CHF 50.00.
25 CHF
Reduced price for a Playroom Session (student, AVS, AI), CHF 25.00.

Contact

Webpage
smemmusic.ch
Email
contact@smemmusic.ch
Address
Passage du Cardinal 1, 1700 Fribourg

Access

Nearby stops

  • Fribourg, bluefactory300 meters walking distance
  • Fribourg/Freiburg800 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Bern
22m
Lausanne
45m
Thun
52m
Neuchâtel
56m
Olten
57m

FAQ

  • Do I need any musical experience to visit or take part in the workshops?
    No. The Playroom is open to everyone from professionals to beginners, and the workshops are designed for complete beginners at Level 1, with no experience needed.
  • How long does a guided tour of the Schaulager last?
    Each guided tour of the Schaulager lasts approximately one hour. An Extended Tour of two hours is also available on demand.
  • Can I play and record on the instruments myself?
    Yes. The Playroom allows amateurs, professionals and the curious to learn, play and record on rare and legendary instruments from the collection during Playroom Sessions, which last four hours.
  • Are the workshops available in several languages?
    Yes. All three workshops are offered in English, French and German.
  • Can the workshops come to my school or institution?
    Yes. The workshops are designed to travel and can be brought to your school, institution or venue, and are adaptable to your space and public.

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