ArchéoLab and Roman Villa of Pully: archaeology to experience as a family
What if your children became archaeologists for an afternoon? In Pully, the ArchéoLab is an interactive museum where you can handle, dig, and experiment, right next to the real remains of the Roman villa. A clever outing, free for those under 16.
An Archaeology Laboratory in the Heart of Pully
Are you looking for an outing where your children can learn without getting bored? The ArchéoLab in Pully is not a dusty museum. Designed as a living laboratory, it invites families to handle, experiment, and understand archaeology through action. Just a stone's throw away, across from the museum, are the remains of the Roman villa of Pully, a large Gallo-Roman villa that housed a rare mural painting in Switzerland. All this is located in the center of Pully, just a few minutes from Lake Geneva. It's a curious and accessible experience, ideal for sparking the curiosity of both young and old.
What Your Children Will Discover
Children step into the shoes of researchers. They touch, observe, and reconstruct, rather than just looking at display cases. The ArchéoLab emphasizes a hands-on approach to archaeology, with interactive setups designed for families. Across the way, the remains of the Roman villa tell the story of daily life during the Gallo-Roman period and preserve a renowned mural painting. Temporary exhibitions regularly refresh the experience: a new exhibition is announced for September 2026.
What You Can Do There and the Atmosphere on Site
You can stroll at your own pace in a space designed for experimentation. The youngest love to handle objects, and the museum offers structured workshops by age: Mini-archéos (4-7 years) for an hour of discovery, and Junior-archéos (8-12 years) for a more in-depth workshop. The museum is also connected to the Pully Art Museum, with a beneficial combined ticket. The atmosphere is family-friendly, calm, and conducive to curiosity, without the crowds of large museums.
Before You Go
- Recommended age: all ages; Mini-archéos workshops for 4-7 years and Junior-archéos for 8-12 years
- Duration: to be confirmed on the official website
- Price: adult CHF 7.-, free for all children up to 16 years, reduced rate CHF 5.- (students, AVS/AI). Combined ticket with the Art Museum CHF 12.-. Free entry for everyone on the first Saturday of the month
- Workshops: Mini-archéos CHF 5.-/child (1h), Junior-archéos CHF 10.-/child (1h30); birthday CHF 180.- (2h, up to 12 children)
- Reservation: not necessary for free visits; required for workshops, birthdays, and guided tours
- Stroller accessibility: to be checked on the official website
- Transport: in the center of Pully; public transport access to be checked on the official website
- Ideal season: open all year except during school holidays (closed during school holidays)
Parent Tips
- Take advantage of the free entry for those under 16: a cultural outing that doesn't strain the family budget.
- Aim for the first Saturday of the month for free entry for everyone.
- For a more active visit, book a workshop suitable for your child's age (Mini-archéos or Junior-archéos).
- Combine with the Pully Art Museum using the combined ticket.
- Check the hours before coming: the museum is closed during school holidays and certain weekdays.
Useful Information
- Address: ArchéoLab, Avenue du Prieuré 4, 1009 Pully; Roman villa across the street, Avenue Samson-Reymondin 2, 1009 Pully
- Official website: https://www.archeolab.ch/
- Phone: +41 21 721 38 00 (administration of the Museums of Pully)
- Hours: Wednesday 2 PM - 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM; closed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and during school holidays
- Access (transport): in the center of Pully; bus lines and nearest train station to be checked on the official website
Why We Recommend It
Because it is one of the few outings that reconciles children with the idea of a museum. You learn by doing, you touch real objects, and you connect all this to the actual Roman remains right across the street. Free for those under 16, centrally located, and well thought out for families: it's hard to make a cultural outing more accessible.
In Two Words
An interactive museum where your children become archaeologists, alongside the remains of a Roman villa, in the heart of Pully and free for those under 16.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to the ArchéoLab free for children?
At what age are the workshops offered?
Do you need to book to visit?
What are the opening hours?
Can we visit the Roman villa at the same time?
Is there a combined ticket with the Pully Art Museum?
Can we organize a children's birthday party at the ArchéoLab?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Pully
Vaud
Avenue du Prieuré 4, 1009 Pully
Nearby
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