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Fisherman's wife with children in Naples painting by Giuseppe Mazzola

Musée Jenisch

Vevey, Switzerland

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Musée Jenisch Vevey: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva in the town of Vevey, Musée Jenisch is a distinguished landmark of Swiss cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Established in 1897 through the endowment of Fanny Henriette Jenisch, the museum stands as the second-largest art institution in the canton of Vaud, renowned for its focus on works on paper—drawings, prints, and paintings. The striking neoclassical architecture, designed by Louis Maillard and Robert Convert, reflects the elegance of late 19th-century civic design (Wikipedia; myswitzerland.com).

Musée Jenisch not only boasts one of Switzerland’s top print collections and the world’s largest trove of Oskar Kokoschka’s graphic works, but also remains committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and innovative cultural programming. Through rotating exhibitions, educational workshops, and community events, the museum invites visitors into a dialogue between tradition and modernity (alpesvaudoises.ch; museejenisch.ch).

Conveniently located a short walk from Vevey train station, with ample public transport and parking options, Musée Jenisch offers a welcoming atmosphere for art lovers, scholars, families, and tourists eager to explore the vibrant cultural landscape of Vevey and the Lake Geneva region (myswitzerland.com; whichmuseum.com).

This guide details everything you need to plan your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, collection highlights, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

Table of Contents

Historical Background and Mission

Founded thanks to Fanny Henriette Jenisch’s generous endowment, the Musée Jenisch opened its doors in 1897 in a purpose-built neoclassical structure. Its mission centers on the preservation, study, and presentation of works on paper—drawings, prints, and paintings—spanning six centuries. The museum’s stewardship includes masterpieces by Swiss and international artists such as Ferdinand Hodler, Pablo Picasso, Gustave Courbet, Oskar Kokoschka, and Félix Vallotton (myswitzerland.com).

Musée Jenisch is recognized for its leadership in provenance research and ethical stewardship, recently conducting in-depth studies into the origins of over 200 works, supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture (museejenisch.ch).

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 – 18:00
  • Select Thursdays (“jeudis inédits”): Extended hours until 20:00
  • Closed on Mondays
  • Special Openings: On holidays such as Good Friday, Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Bastille Day, and Swiss Federal Fast, regular or slightly extended hours may apply.
  • Early Closures: December 24 and 31, the museum closes at 16:30.

For up-to-date information, consult the official museum website.

Tickets

  • General Admission: CHF 10–15 (varies by exhibition)
  • Discounts: Available for students, seniors, and groups
  • Free Entry: First Saturday of each month and on International Museum Day (e.g., May 18, 2025)
  • Combined Tickets: May be available with other local museums

Purchase tickets online via the Musée Jenisch Vevey tickets page or at the museum entrance.

Accessibility

Musée Jenisch is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms. Wheelchairs are available upon request. The museum is stroller-friendly and offers facilities for families. Multilingual staff can assist visitors as needed (museejenisch.ch).

Location and Transport

  • Address: Avenue de la Gare 2, CH–1800 Vevey, Switzerland
  • By train: Short walk from Vevey railway station (15 minutes from Lausanne by train)
  • By car: Paid parking available nearby
  • Public transport: Local buses serve the area; the town is pedestrian-friendly

Major 2025 Exhibition: “Une conversation sans mots”

A highlight of 2025 is the exhibition “Une conversation sans mots”, featuring Swiss contemporary artworks from the private collection of the late Thierry Barbier-Mueller (1960–2023). The show explores themes such as landscape, the human figure, and existential motifs, primarily through works on paper.

Featured Artists: Silvia Bächli, Spencer Finch, Antony Gormley, Markus Raetz, Nan Goldin, Franz Gertsch, Michel Grillet, Alain Huck, Pieter Laurens Mol, Uwe Wittwer, and Pierre-Henri Jaccaud.

Signature Piece: Franz Gertsch’s monumental woodcut “Rüschegg” (1988–1989), measuring 2740 × 2200 mm.

Curatorial Note: The exhibition is curated as a “silent encounter,” inviting deep, contemplative engagement (museejenisch.ch).

An illustrated catalogue accompanies the show, available at the museum shop.

Collection Highlights

Paintings

The museum’s permanent collection features masterworks by Gustave Courbet, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, François Bocion, Ferdinand Hodler, Félix Vallotton, Pablo Picasso, Giorgio Morandi, and more (myswitzerland.com; alpesvaudoises.ch).

Works on Paper

  • Cabinet cantonal des estampes: Over 40,000 prints from the Renaissance to the present, including works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Tiepolo, Goya, Bonnard, Degas, and Warhol.
  • Drawings Collection: More than 11,000 works, from Old Masters to contemporary artists.

Oskar Kokoschka Foundation

Home to the world’s largest collection of Kokoschka’s graphic works, as well as a faithful studio reconstruction for immersive interpretation.

The Pavillon de l’estampe

A dedicated space for engraved art, with rotating displays to ensure preservation and fresh experiences (alpesvaudoises.ch).

Special Events and Educational Programs

  • Guided Tours: Regularly scheduled, including thematic tours for adults, families, and schools (museum’s program page).
  • Workshops: Creative sessions for children, teens, and adults.
  • Special Events: Special programming on International Museum Day and during evening hours.
  • Mediation and Encounters: Informal opportunities for discussion with curators and mediators.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Best Times: Weekday mornings or late afternoons are quieter.
  • Nearby Sites: Alimentarium – Food Museum, Chaplin’s World, Vevey’s old town, lakeside promenade, Musée suisse de l’appareil photographique, Aile Castle, and the Fork of Vevey sculpture (trek.zone).
  • Dining: Numerous cafés and restaurants nearby.
  • Photography: Non-flash photography is generally permitted in permanent collections; check for restrictions in temporary exhibits.

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
  • Restrooms: Well-maintained
  • Cloakroom: Available for coats and small bags
  • Wi-Fi: Complimentary
  • Museum Shop: Art books, catalogues, postcards, and gifts
  • No On-Site Café: Many options close by in Vevey town center

Visuals and Interactive Media

Explore a virtual tour of Musée Jenisch for a preview of the galleries and exhibitions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musée Jenisch Vevey visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 18:00; extended to 20:00 on select Thursdays; closed Mondays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: CHF 10–15; discounts available for students, seniors, and groups; free entry first Saturday of the month and on International Museum Day.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and facilities for families and visitors with disabilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for individuals and groups—book in advance via the museum’s website.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in permanent collections; check signage for temporary exhibitions.

Q: Are there family-friendly activities?
A: Workshops and activities are offered for children and families.

Contact Information

Practical Tips for a Memorable Visit

  • Plan Ahead: Consult the official website for up-to-date exhibitions, events, and hours.
  • Book Tickets Online: Especially recommended on free entry days or for major exhibitions.
  • Combine Visits: Vevey’s historical and cultural sites are within walking distance.
  • Arrive Early: Especially on weekends and public holidays.
  • Language: Information is primarily in French, with English and German translations available; guided tours offered in multiple languages.
  • Souvenirs: The museum shop offers unique gifts related to the collections.

Safety and Visitor Conduct

  • Leave large bags in the cloakroom.
  • No food or drinks in exhibition spaces.
  • Maintain a respectful atmosphere for all visitors.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Spring and summer are ideal for combining your museum visit with a lakeside stroll.
  • The museum often aligns programming with regional events like the Montreux Jazz Festival (romandieinfo.ch).

Conclusion

Musée Jenisch Vevey stands as a premier Swiss cultural institution, harmoniously blending historical depth, architectural beauty, and an exceptional art collection. Its accessible services, dynamic exhibitions, and central location make it an essential destination for anyone exploring Vevey and the Lake Geneva region. Stay updated on the latest exhibitions and events by checking the official museum website, following social media, and downloading the Audiala app for interactive guides and exclusive content. Whether you are a seasoned art lover, family, or casual visitor, Musée Jenisch promises an inspiring and memorable experience.

References

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