Maison d'Ailleurs, the science fiction museum in Yverdon-les-Bains

A unique museum in Europe, in the heart of Yverdon

The Maison d'Ailleurs is the only museum in Europe entirely dedicated to science fiction, utopia, and extraordinary journeys. Located on Place Pestalozzi, right in the center of Yverdon-les-Bains, it houses an impressive collection of illustrations, books, objects, and robots from all imaginations. The exhibitions change regularly, encouraging visitors to return. You can encounter both Jules Verne and spaceships, as well as creatures from elsewhere. It is a place that appeals to both curious children and parents nostalgic for their past readings.

What your children will discover

Your children enter a universe where anything is possible. They discover original drawings, models, movie posters, and objects that seem to come from another time or a distant future. The temporary exhibitions explore various themes, from robots to unknown planets, including the works of Jules Verne, of which the museum has a dedicated space. It is a beautiful gateway to reading, drawing, and imagination. Older children enjoy deciphering the references; younger ones are carried away by the images and shapes.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The visit is at your own pace, along exhibitions designed to intrigue. The atmosphere is subdued, intimate, and conducive to curiosity. The museum also offers a unique experience: the K.R.A.K.E.N. escape room. For one hour, your family boards the Nautilus, the submarine imagined by Jules Verne, and must reactivate it before the terrible monster of the abyss destroys it. A family-friendly version is available from age 8, with simplified puzzles and clues designed for children. The escape room accommodates 4 to 6 people, and museum entry is included in the price. A great way to turn the visit into an adventure.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 7 years for the museum; from 8 years for the family version of the K.R.A.K.E.N. escape room
• Duration: expect 1 to 1.5 hours for the museum, about 1 hour more for the escape room
• Prices: adult 12 CHF, reduced rate 10 CHF, child from 6 years 8 CHF, free for under 6 years, family rate (3 to 6 people) 24 CHF. K.R.A.K.E.N. escape room: 150 CHF per group for the family version (from 8 years), museum entry included
• Reservation: essential for the escape room; free visit of the museum without reservation
• Stroller accessibility: to be checked on the official site, as the building is historic
• Transport: in the city center, on Place Pestalozzi, a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station in Yverdon-les-Bains
• Plan for: time to wander and discuss the exhibitions
• Ideal season: all year round, especially good in rainy weather

Parent tips

• Book the escape room in advance: family slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends
• Enjoy the city center: Place Pestalozzi and its terraces are perfect for a break after the visit
• Announce the theme of the current exhibition to your children to set the mood
• Combine the museum and escape room on the same day to make the most of your trip
• Children under 6 enter for free: a great opportunity to introduce little ones to images

Useful information

• Address: Place Pestalozzi 14, 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
• Official site: https://ailleurs.ch
• Hours: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays, from 11 AM to 6 PM; closed on December 25 and January 1
• Access: city center of Yverdon-les-Bains, a few minutes' walk from the CFF train station; Travys bus nearby

Why we recommend it

Because we know few museums capable of fascinating the whole family at once. The Maison d'Ailleurs is unlike any other place in French-speaking Switzerland: it nourishes the imagination, encourages reading and drawing, and offers an adventure to experience together with K.R.A.K.E.N. It’s the ideal outing when looking for something original, sheltered from the weather.

In two words

The only museum in Europe dedicated to science fiction, in the heart of Yverdon, with a family escape room aboard the Nautilus. A journey to other worlds, without leaving Place Pestalozzi.