What the place is
The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, Switzerland, has a dedicated exhibit celebrating Auguste Piccard and his family. It explores Swiss innovation through original artifacts, including the stratospheric balloon gondola, the bathyscaphe Trieste, and the Mésoscaphe Auguste Piccard—the world’s first tourist submarine. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations make the exhibit accessible and engaging for all ages. Its proximity to Lucerne’s old town and lakeside attractions adds to the cultural experience (Swiss Museum of Transport, Swissinfo).
The exhibit offers a journey into scientific exploration, engineering innovation, and Swiss cultural heritage, with accessible facilities and displays for visitors of all ages and interests.
History and significance
Auguste Piccard (1884–1962) was a pioneering physicist, inventor, and explorer known for his work in high-altitude ballooning and deep-sea exploration. He was the first human to ascend into the stratosphere in a pressurized gondola. Later, alongside his son Jacques, he developed the bathyscaphe Trieste, which reached the deepest known point in the Earth’s oceans. Piccard’s work expanded the frontiers of science and inspired generations of explorers. The Lucerne exhibit places his achievements in the context of Swiss innovation and global scientific advancement (holidaystoswitzerland.com).
Designed by Jacques Piccard and launched for the 1964 Swiss National Exhibition (Expo 64), the Mésoscaphe Auguste Piccard was the world’s first and largest submarine built for tourism. Constructed at the Giovanola factory in Monthey, it could carry up to 40 passengers and dive to depths of 150 meters. Its features included:
- Robust pressure hull Designed to ensure safe descents for non-scientific passengers.
- Large observation windows Provided panoramic underwater views.
- Advanced life support Maintained comfort and safety during multi-hour dives.
- Electric propulsion Enabled quiet, emission-free operation.
These innovations reflected the Piccard family’s deep-sea engineering expertise and commitment to public engagement with science (RTS, renaudbaur.com).
During Expo 64, the Mésoscaphe completed over 1,100 dives in Lake Geneva, carrying approximately 33,000 passengers. It later took part in international research missions before being retired. In the early 2000s, it underwent extensive restoration and was installed as a permanent exhibit at the Swiss Museum of Transport. Visitors can explore the vessel’s interior and learn about its construction, operation, and impact on underwater tourism (RTS, blog.nationalmuseum.ch).
What to see and do
Bathyscaphe Trieste and stratospheric gondola
- Bathyscaphe Trieste The exhibit highlights its historic 1960 descent to the Mariana Trench, with original components and detailed models.
- Stratospheric balloon gondola See the vessel that carried Piccard to the stratosphere in 1931, alongside interactive diagrams and scientific panels (Collection Online).
Mésoscaphe and interactive exhibits
The Mésoscaphe’s interior gives visitors a closer look at the submarine and its history. Other exhibit experiences include:
- Virtual reality Simulations of Piccard’s ascents and descents.
- Hands-on engineering Interactive stations for all ages exploring buoyancy, pressure, and atmospheric science.
- Archival media Rare footage, logbooks, and personal artifacts.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours
- Summer (April–October) 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Winter (November–March) 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Closed December 24th and 25th
Ticket prices
- Adults: CHF 32
- Seniors (65+), students: CHF 28
- Children (6–16 years): CHF 14–16
- Children under 6: Free
- Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): CHF 75
Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum entrance. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons (Swiss Museum of Transport, Swissinfo).
Location and accessibility
- Address Haldenstrasse 44, 6006 Lucerne
- Transport A 10-minute bus ride from Lucerne’s main train station on bus lines 6, 8, or 24, or a scenic 30-minute walk along the lake.
- Parking On-site parking is available.
- Accessibility The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with multilingual signage and guided tours available upon request.
Facilities, tours, and photography
- Dining On-site cafés and restaurants cater to diverse tastes.
- Family facilities Interactive exhibits and kid-friendly activities are available throughout the museum.
- Guided tours Tours focusing on the Auguste Piccard exhibit are available in multiple languages. Book in advance for tailored experiences.
- Events The museum calendar lists workshops, lectures, and family days.
- Photography Photography is permitted throughout the exhibit, but flash and tripods are not allowed. Top spots include the submarine interior and panoramic windows.
The Lucerne Visitor Card, often provided by hotels, offers free public transport and discounts on attractions (Luzern.com).
Tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays, to avoid crowds.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours for the exhibit and other museum highlights.
- Check the museum website for special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions.
- Spring and autumn Mild weather and fewer crowds make these seasons suitable for sightseeing.
- Summer This is peak season; book tickets and accommodations early.
- Winter Visitors can enjoy festive events and combine a visit with skiing or Christmas markets.
- Weather Lucerne’s climate can change rapidly; bring layers and plan both indoor and outdoor activities (Destination Abroad).
- Lucerne prioritizes eco-friendly transportation and responsible tourism. The Swiss Museum of Transport includes environmental education and sustainability, echoing the Piccards’ legacy of environmental stewardship (Tales from the Balcony).
- Download the Audiala app for audio tours and up-to-date information, and follow the museum on social media for event updates and tips.
Nearby places
Lucerne’s historical sites and attractions can be combined with a museum visit:
- Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge.
- Water Tower (Wasserturm) A medieval city landmark.
- Musegg Wall A historic city wall with accessible towers.
- Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) An iconic sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards.
- Lake Lucerne cruises Scenic boat rides with panoramic alpine views.
All these sites are within walking distance or a short transit ride from the museum (Miss Tourist).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are the Auguste Piccard exhibit visiting hours?
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter or 6:00 PM in summer.
Where can I buy tickets?
Purchase tickets online via the museum’s official website or at the entrance.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. It is fully accessible, with guided tours and multilingual signage.
Are guided tours available specifically for the Auguste Piccard exhibit?
Yes. Tours are available and can be booked in advance.
Is the exhibit family-friendly?
Yes. It has interactive displays and child-friendly activities.
