Usine À Gaz

Usine À Gaz Nyon: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Usine À Gaz, situated on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva in Nyon, Switzerland, is a landmark where rich industrial heritage meets dynamic contemporary culture. Originally built in 1864 as a gasworks crucial to Nyon’s urban development, it was nearly demolished in the 1990s before being preserved through a community-led referendum. Today, after extensive renovations and a visionary transformation, Usine À Gaz stands as a premier venue for music, theater, dance, and the arts, hosting renowned festivals and serving as a model for sustainable cultural development.

This guide provides comprehensive details for visitors, covering everything from opening hours and ticketing to the venue’s architectural evolution and its significance in Nyon’s community and cultural life. For up-to-date event schedules and more information, consult the official Usine À Gaz website and related resources (Nyon.ch, Chantiers Magazine).

Introduction
Historical Overview: From Gasworks to Cultural Hub
Architectural Transformation and Key Features
Visiting Usine À Gaz: Hours, Tickets & Access
Programming and Signature Events
Community Engagement, Accessibility & Sustainability
Practical Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected
References

Historical Overview: From Gasworks to Cultural Hub

Constructed in 1864, Usine À Gaz began as Nyon’s central gasworks, supplying energy for lighting and heating during the city’s urban expansion. Its imposing industrial architecture—characterized by robust halls and utilitarian design—reflects this era (Chantiers Magazine).

By the late 20th century, advances in energy technology rendered the gasworks obsolete. Facing abandonment and imminent demolition, the site was saved in the early 1990s following a decisive public referendum. Architect Ivan Kolecek led its initial transformation into a cultural venue, opening in 1995. This pivotal moment preserved a rare example of 19th-century industrial architecture and set the stage for a new chapter as a vibrant arts center.

Architectural Transformation and Key Features

Between 2018 and 2021, Usine À Gaz underwent a major redevelopment, quadrupling its usable space and integrating advanced, sustainable features (Nyon.ch; Batimag). The project, led by Esposito + Javet Architectes, balanced the preservation of historic elements with innovative design.

Key Facilities

Modular Performance Hall: 207-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art stage technology for theater, dance, and concerts.
Historic Hall: Renovated for improved acoustics and flexible use, accommodating up to 450 standing guests.
Rehearsal Studios & Artist Residencies: Spaces supporting up to 60 people, fostering artistic creation.
Foyer & Social Spaces: Welcoming bars and lounges for audiences and artists.
Sustainable Amenities: Solar panels, thermal collectors, permeable plaza surfaces, and energy-efficient systems meeting Minergie-ECO standards.
Accessibility: Step-free entrances, elevators, and adapted restrooms throughout.

Visiting Usine À Gaz: Hours, Tickets & Access

Opening Hours

General Opening: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.
Event Days: Doors open typically 1 hour before performances (often 7:00 PM–9:00 PM).
Box Office: Open during venue hours and 1 hour before events.

Hours may vary for special events or festivals. Always check the event calendar for current details.

Tickets

Prices: CHF 10 to CHF 40, depending on the event.
Purchase: Online via usineagaz.ch or at the box office.
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, groups, and through initiatives like “Billets suspend’us” (donated tickets for social inclusion).

Guided Tours

Available by appointment in French or English; typically 60 minutes.
Book via the official website or by calling the administration.

Accessibility

Fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (step-free entry, elevators, adapted restrooms, designated seating).

Location & Getting There

Address: Rue César-Soulié 1, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland (usineagaz.ch)
By Train: 5-minute walk from Nyon CFF station (direct trains from Geneva, Lausanne, and beyond).
By Bus: Local line 811 (stop: Usine À Gaz) offers direct access.
By Car: Limited parking nearby (Parking de la Duche, Parking de Rive). Public transport is recommended.
By Boat: Seasonal access from Lake Geneva port.

Programming and Signature Events

Usine À Gaz is renowned for its diverse, innovative programming, positioning Nyon as a “ville de festivals” (nyon.ch). The venue hosts:

Concerts: Jazz, pop, rock, electronic, and world music, featuring local and international artists (Bandsintown).
Theater & Dance: Contemporary and experimental productions, with a focus on Romandie region creators.
Festivals:
- Visions du Réel (international documentary film festival)
- far° Festival des Arts Vivants (contemporary live arts)
- Les Hivernales (winter music festival) (leshivernales.ch)
30th Anniversary Festival: June 2025 celebration with free concerts, food trucks, and participatory art (MySwitzerland.com).

Community Engagement, Accessibility & Sustainability

Community Initiatives

Workshops & Educational Programs: For schools, families, and the public.
Volunteer Opportunities: Community members can join the association to support events.
Collaborations: Partnerships with local organizations, schools, and regional cultural networks.

Sustainability & Urban Integration

Architectural Preservation: Retaining historic features while integrating modern, energy-efficient systems (huni.ch).
Sustainable Mobility: Encouraging public transport; limited parking; bike facilities (regiondenyon.ch).
Local Sourcing: Food and beverage partners (e.g., L’Ambroisie) highlight regional products (usineagaz.ch).
Social Inclusion: Accessible design, ticket donation programs, and affordable subscriptions (e.g., ABÔ, “Côte à Côte” association).

Institutional Support

Backed by the Region of Nyon, City of Nyon, and Canton of Vaud, with multi-year funding exceeding CHF 1.2 million (regiondenyon.ch, nyon.ch).

Practical Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Arrive Early: Improve seating options and enjoy the social spaces.
Explore Nyon: Château de Nyon, Roman Museum, lakeside promenade, and local markets are all nearby.
Accommodation: Numerous hotels and guesthouses within walking distance (Hikersbay).
Food & Drink: Venue bars, local cafés, and pop-up food stalls during festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Usine À Gaz’s opening hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Event doors open one hour before the start. Check the official website for event-specific times.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available online via usineagaz.ch or at the box office.

Q: Is the venue accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free access, elevators, adapted restrooms, and accessible seating.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Bookable by appointment in French or English.

Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes—family events, all-ages access, and child-friendly facilities are available.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited nearby; public transport is recommended.

Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected

Experience the unique blend of history, innovation, and art at Usine À Gaz. For current programming, hours, and ticketing, visit the official website. Download the Audiala app for real-time event updates and recommendations. Follow Usine À Gaz on social media and explore related articles on Nyon’s historical sites and Swiss cultural venues to enrich your visit.