Museum Of The Pays D’Enhaut

Visiting the Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut, Canton Vaud, Switzerland: Tickets, Hours, and Travel Tips

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the alpine village of Château-d’Œx, the Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut is a vibrant custodian of regional culture and artistry in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Since its founding in 1922, the museum has evolved from a local initiative to a nationally recognized institution, dedicated to preserving folk art, daily life artifacts, and, notably, the intricate Swiss tradition of paper cutting (découpage or scherenschnitt). Visitors can expect an immersive journey through authentic alpine interiors, historical workshops, and a renowned collection of paper cut-outs, all reflecting the pastoral lifestyle and creative ingenuity of the Pays-d’Enhaut (Museum History; Musée-Château-d’Oex; MyVaud).

The museum’s recent expansion with the Swiss Centre for Paper Cutting, housing more than 600 historic and contemporary works, reinforces its status as Switzerland’s foremost destination for this delicate folk art. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, hands-on workshops, and community events, the museum fosters both the preservation and innovation of regional traditions. Conveniently located within walking distance of the Château-d’Œx train station and accessible by car, the museum offers practical amenities including wheelchair access, guided tours, and multilingual resources (Museum Expansion; Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus).

This guide provides essential information on hours, ticketing, exhibitions, workshops, and travel tips to ensure a seamless, enriching visit—whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or a traveler seeking authentic Swiss experiences (Forbes; Alpes Vaudoises).

Museum Origins and Heritage Preservation

The Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut was established in 1922 to safeguard the region’s traditional heritage in the face of growing tourism and modernization. The sale of local antiques and family heirlooms to collectors threatened the preservation of tangible cultural memory, prompting local visionaries to found the museum. Their mission: to conserve and promote the unique legacy of the Pays-d’Enhaut for future generations (Museum History; Museum Association).

Despite early challenges such as limited funding and space, community support helped the museum secure a permanent home in 1931, thanks to a bequest by Auguste Cottier. Today, it showcases furnished alpine rooms, tools, furniture, and centuries-old artifacts that vividly narrate the region’s story (Museum Overview).

Découpage: A Swiss Folk Art Tradition

A major highlight of the museum is its extensive collection of paper cuttings (découpages), a folk art that has flourished in the Pays-d’Enhaut since at least the 17th century. Characterized by intricate motifs depicting alpine life, cattle drives, and wooden chalets, découpage is celebrated both regionally and nationally. Works by masters such as Johann-Jakob Hauswirth and Louis Saugy are particularly noteworthy (Découpage Tradition; Découpage Masters).

The Swiss Association for Paper Cutting, with over 500 members, plays a key role in promoting and preserving this art form (Découpage Association).

The Swiss Centre for Paper Cutting: Expansion and Innovation

In 2022, the museum inaugurated the Swiss Centre for Paper Cutting (Centre suisse du papier découpé), a modern facility housing over 600 paper cuttings from the Swiss Association for Paper Cutting. The Centre offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, artist demonstrations, workshops, conferences, and a specialized library, all within accessible and spacious exhibition areas (Museum Expansion; Museum Facilities).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Location: Grand Rue 107, 1660 Château-d’Œx, Switzerland

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Closed annually in November for maintenance (Musée Château-d’Œx)

Ticket Prices:

Adults: CHF 8
Seniors/Students: CHF 5
Children under 16: Free
Group tours and school visits by appointment (Museum Information)

Getting There:

By train: MOB-Goldenpass line from Montreux or Zweisimmen/Interlaken. The museum is a five-minute walk from the station.
By car: Accessible via A12 (Lausanne/Fribourg) or A9 (Martigny), with parking nearby (Musée Château-d’Œx)
Regional buses connect with surrounding villages.

Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, offering ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms (Musée Château-d’Œx).

Museum Shop & Amenities: The on-site shop offers local crafts, books, and découpage souvenirs. Restrooms and a nearby café are available (MyVaud).

Museum Highlights: Collections and Experiences

Permanent Collections

Alpine Life and Domestic Interiors: Four floors of exhibits bring to life the daily realities of mountain farmers, craftsmen, and local notables, including a smithy, alpine cheese dairy, and kitchens dating to the 17th century (Forbes; Alpes Vaudoises).
Tools and Rural Artifacts: Displays feature agricultural implements, cowbells, stained glass, vintage posters, and early photography documenting the region’s transformation (MOB).
Traditional Costumes and Decorative Arts: Painted furniture, sculptures, textiles, and costumes showcase the region’s evolving aesthetic (MyVaud).

The Swiss Center for Paper Cut-Outs

Découpage Collection: Over 600 works, including masterpieces by Hauswirth and Saugy, alongside contemporary pieces.
Workshops and Artist Demonstrations: Regularly scheduled events allow visitors to learn découpage techniques and observe artists at work (Alpes Vaudoises).
Specialized Library: Resources for researchers and enthusiasts on the history and methods of paper cutting.

Community Engagement

Educational Programs: Workshops, school visits, and community events foster intergenerational transmission of alpine traditions (Musée-Château-d’Oex).
Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts thematic exhibitions highlighting both traditional and modern artists.

Guided Tours, Events, and Photography

Guided Tours: Available by request (minimum group size may apply), tours offer in-depth insight into the museum’s collections in French, English, or German (MySwitzerland).
Audio Guides: Multilingual audio guides are available for a fee.
Workshops: Paper cutting workshops are offered for individuals and groups (advance booking required).
Photo Opportunities: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas—confirm with staff on arrival.

Visiting Tips

Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings and early afternoons are less crowded. Consider timing your visit with special events or workshops.
Language: Most staff and signage are in French and English.
Dress: Layered clothing is recommended due to variable alpine weather.
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with other Château-d’Œx sites, such as the Espace Ballon hot air balloon museum, L’Etivaz cheese cellars, and the Gruyère–Pays-d’Enhaut Nature Park (alpesvaudoises.ch).
Dining: Enjoy local mountain cheeses and artisanal products at nearby cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays and in November).

Q: How do I book workshops or guided tours?
A: Advanced booking is required for workshops and tours; see the official website for details.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Q: Can I purchase tickets online?
A: Yes, tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas; ask staff for restrictions.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Visiting the Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut supports local craftspeople and the preservation of regional heritage. Purchasing authentic découpage art or local crafts in the shop further aids community sustainability.

Seasonal Considerations

High Season: Summer (June–September) and winter (December–March) offer vibrant festivals and favorable weather.
Off-Season: The museum closes in November for maintenance—verify hours before visiting.
Travel: Check transport and weather conditions in winter months.

Conclusion

The Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut is a must-see destination for those passionate about alpine history, folk art, and living Swiss traditions. Immerse yourself in authentic heritage through thoughtfully curated exhibits, interactive workshops, and community events. For the latest on exhibitions, visiting hours, and events, visit the official museum website and regional tourism portals.

Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for audio guides and exclusive content, and follow us on social media for updates and travel inspiration.

References and Official Sources

Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Rich Alpine Heritage in Château-d’Œx, 2025, Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut (Museum History)
Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Cultural Heritage in Château-d’Oex, 2025, Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus (Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus)
Visiting the Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut in Château-d’Œx: Hours, Tickets & Highlights, 2025, Alpes Vaudoises (Alpes Vaudoises)
Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide in Château-d’Œx, 2025, SwissActivities (SwissActivities)
The Pays-d’Enhaut Region: Swiss Prealps Within Easy Reach, 2025, Forbes (Forbes)
Art of Découpage in the Pays-d’Enhaut, 2024, Lebendige Traditionen (Découpage Tradition)
Musée du Pays-d’Enhaut Official Website, 2025 (Musée-Château-d’Oex)
MyVaud: Museum of the Pays-d’Enhaut – Swiss Center for Paper Cut-Outs, 2025 (MyVaud)