MuMAPS – Museum of Art Mechanics and Heritage
Have your children ever seen a mechanical doll write or a bird sing without batteries? In Sainte-Croix, the capital of music boxes, the MuMAPS brings automata and art mechanics back to life during demonstrations that amaze both young and old.
The art mechanics come to life in Sainte-Croix
Sainte-Croix is world-renowned as the capital of music boxes and automata. The MuMAPS, born from the merger of the former CIMA, Baud, and MAS museums, now brings this extraordinary heritage together in one place. Here, you will discover animated automata, music boxes, and an entire art mechanics collection of incredible finesse, all in the heart of the Vaud Jura. The permanent exhibition, titled Art Mechanics, the Factory of Dreams, is primarily experienced through demonstrations: you don't just look at display cases; you see the pieces come to life. It's a magical dive into a unique Swiss craftsmanship.
What your children will discover
Your children will discover automata that move, draw, or play music thanks to small mechanisms of incredible precision. The music boxes reveal their cylinders and blades, and one suddenly understands how the melody is born. It's an opportunity to show them that, long before electronics, artisans were already creating true mechanical wonders. Between wonder and curiosity, they often leave with plenty of questions about these objects from another time.
What to do there and the atmosphere on site
The heart of the visit is the live demonstrations: a guide operates the automata and music boxes in front of you, making the experience much more engaging than a simple static exhibition. The atmosphere is subdued, almost magical, punctuated by the melodies of the mechanics. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes; you can also explore the exhibition on a self-guided visit. It's a calm outing, ideal on gray days or in winter, captivating both children and parents.
Before you go
- Recommended age: from 5 years old, up to 12 years and beyond
- Duration: about 1 hour and 20 minutes for the guided tour
- Price: free visit adult CHF 12, child from 6 years CHF 6, family CHF 26; guided tour adult CHF 18, child from 6 years CHF 10, family CHF 40; free for children under 6 years
- Stroller accessibility: check the official site
- Transport: train Travys Yverdon-les-Bains – Sainte-Croix (panoramic line), then less than 10 minutes on foot from the station
- To plan: reserve the guided tour by phone, it's recommended
- Ideal season: all year round, the museum is indoors
Parents' tips
- Prefer the guided tour: seeing the automata and music boxes come to life in person makes all the difference for children.
- Book your slot by phone, especially during holidays or on weekends.
- The schedule for guided tours varies by season; check the day and time before you leave.
- Enjoy the panoramic train Travys from Yverdon: the ascent to Sainte-Croix is already part of the outing.
- Children under 6 enter for free, but attention mainly focuses on those aged 5–6 and up.
Useful information
- Address: Rue de l'Industrie 2, 1450 Sainte-Croix
- Official site: https://mumaps.ch
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM; closed on Monday. Guided tours in the afternoon, days and times vary by season
- Access: train Travys from Yverdon-les-Bains to Sainte-Croix, then less than 10 minutes on foot from the station
Why we recommend it
Because there are not many places in the world where you can see automata and music boxes come to life before your eyes. In Sainte-Croix, the cradle of this craftsmanship, MuMAPS brings together an exceptional heritage in a lively visit accessible to families. The ride on the panoramic train adds to the charm of the day. It's a cultural outing that stands out from the ordinary and remains sheltered from the weather.
In two words
Animated automata and music boxes to discover in demonstration, in the Swiss capital of art mechanics. A magical visit for the whole family, in all weather.
Frequently asked questions
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Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Sainte-Croix
Vaud
Rue de l'Industrie 2, 1450 Sainte-Croix
Nearby
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