The Automobile Museum in Martigny: a trip that rolls

Why We Love This Idea

In the heart of Martigny, the Pierre Gianadda Foundation houses a superb Automobile Museum. Here, you can traverse a century of ingenuity, design, and stories on four wheels. It’s a visit that appeals to both curious children and nostalgic parents. The atmosphere is calm, bright, and well-kept, perfect for taking the time to observe and discuss.

What Your Children Will Discover

In the galleries, vintage cars follow one another like in a living album: elegant bodies, wooden steering wheels, needle gauges, period logos. Children love to compare shapes, spot details, and imagine the journeys of yesteryear. Discussions revolve around inventions, safety, ecology, and the evolution of transport. It’s both visual, historical, and very concrete.

On the learning side, the visit stimulates scientific curiosity (how does an engine work?), general knowledge (the major brands, the mythical years), and vocabulary. For younger ones, it’s an excellent exercise in observation and recognizing shapes and colors. For older children, discussions can include progress, technical professions, and design.

Before You Go

• Recommended age: from 4 years old to enjoy the shapes and stories, and up to teenagers who love mechanics. Little ones are welcome in strollers.
• Duration: plan for 60 to 90 minutes for a family-paced visit. Add time if your children enjoy reading the labels or asking a thousand questions.
• Type of activity: calm and educational, 100% indoors. Ideal in rainy weather or during a heatwave.
• Reservations and tickets: not necessary for families on a free visit. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Check for any temporary exhibitions that may affect attendance.
• Accessibility and strollers: level access and elevators. Strollers navigate well.
• Public transport: the CFF train station in Martigny is about a 15-minute walk. Urban buses serve the areas around the Foundation.
• By car: A9 Martigny exit, the Foundation is well signposted. Visitor parking is adjacent.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes, a small water bottle, a snack for after the visit. No specific equipment needed. A light jacket is sufficient: the rooms are temperate.
• Safety: the vehicles are protected. Remind children not to touch the bodies and to stay behind the ropes.
• Season: open all year round. Winter and rainy days are perfect, but it’s also pleasant in summer for a break in the shade.

Parents' Tips

• Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the calm.
• Suggest a mini-game: find the oldest car, spot a logo, count the convertibles.
• Take short breaks to keep younger ones' attention.
• Take a souvenir photo outside rather than in the middle of the galleries if it’s busier.
• Combine with a stroll in the center of Martigny for a snack.

Useful Information

• Address: Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Rue du Forum 59, 1920 Martigny
• Official website: https://www.gianadda.ch
• Phone: +41 27 722 39 78
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: open all year round; hours may vary depending on exhibitions. Check the website before your visit.
• Ideal weather: in rainy, cold, or very hot weather (indoor activity).
• Access: a 15-minute walk from the CFF train station in Martigny; urban bus nearby; visitor parking on site.

Why We Recommend It

Because this visit brings together young and old around magnificent objects full of stories. It nurtures curiosity, a sense of observation, and family discussion. The museum is comfortable, accessible, and well thought out for a stress-free outing, regardless of the season.

Want to Go?

A unique collection, a pleasant setting, and a calm visit: the Automobile Museum of Martigny checks all the boxes for a successful family outing. Looking for more ideas? Create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter to discover the best activities in French-speaking Switzerland.