Diving into the Romans at the Roman Museum of Nyon

A visit that sparks curiosity

Just steps away from the historic center of Nyon, the Roman Museum offers a timeless interlude. You enter the world of Colonia Iulia Equestris, the ancient Roman city that lay beneath our feet. The atmosphere is gentle and bright, perfect for a family outing when you want to learn without rushing.

What your children will discover

You can wander among everyday objects, mosaics, inscriptions, and amphorae that tell the story of Roman life by the shores of Lake Geneva. Children enjoy searching for details, comparing tools from yesterday and today, and imagining the ancient city. Models and maps help visualize the streets, baths, and houses. Some display cases offer visual experiences and playful materials that make history tangible. Workshops and occasional activities often complement the visit, especially during holidays and weekends.

Things to know before you go

• Recommended age: from 5 years old to enjoy the stories and objects. Younger children are welcome, with a shorter pace.
• Duration: plan for 60 to 90 minutes depending on your children's interest. It’s a calm and rather educational activity.
• Ticketing: paid entry, often with family rates and free/discounted admission for young children. Check current prices and offers on the website.
• Reservation: not necessary for a self-guided visit. Recommended for workshops, guided tours, and groups.
• Accessibility and strollers: indoor museum; the reception is happy to advise on specific needs and strollers. The historic center has some cobblestones.
• Public transport: Nyon train station is nearby; you can reach the museum on foot in a few minutes, or by bus from the station (city center stops).
• Car: public parking in the center (Perdtemps, Rive) within walking distance.
• What to bring: a small snack and water for after the visit, diapers if needed. Dress children comfortably; it’s pleasant inside all year round.
• Safety: protected display cases and smooth circulation. Explain to children to look with their eyes to preserve the ancient pieces.
• Season: perfect all year round. Ideal when it rains, is very hot, or for a cultural outing on the weekend.
• Benefits: stimulates curiosity, observation skills, vocabulary, local grounding, and imagination. A great opportunity to talk about history, archaeology, and citizenship.

Parents' tips

• Arrive in the early afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• Stop by the reception: they will guide you to the highlights of the moment (activities, game booklets, etc.).
• Take a "questions" break in each room; it helps keep children engaged.
• Combine the outing with a walk to the castle or along the lake to stretch your legs.
• Take photos of the models to continue the discussion at home.

Find more activities to do in Nyon!

Useful information

• Address: Roman Museum of Nyon, Rue Maupertuis 9, 1260 Nyon
• Website: https://www.mrn.ch
• Phone: +41 22 316 42 80
• Email: [email protected]
• Opening: open all year round. Hours may vary; generally closed on Mondays. Check the website before your visit.
• Weather: perfect in rainy or very hot weather; pleasant in all seasons.
• Access: by train (Nyon Station, about 8–10 min walk) or bus from the station to the city center stops. By car, public parking in the center (Perdtemps, Rive).

Why we recommend it

Because this museum makes Antiquity accessible to children. You learn gently, closely observe authentic pieces, and place Nyon in a larger European story. It’s an outing that nourishes curiosity, inspires reading maps, understanding objects, and imagining life in the past.

Want to go?

An hour is enough to ignite the spark of history in your children. Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to discover more family outing ideas in French-speaking Switzerland.