The Jaquet-Droz automata. New room
The three Jaquet-Droz automata number among the Museum's showpieces. Visitors can see these amazing artworks in action at public demonstrations: no reservations are needed for the sessions at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm on the first Sunday of every month; demonstrations at other times are by reservation only.
These three famous automata – the Writer, the Draughtsman and the Musician – were fashioned at La Chaux-de-Fonds between 1768 and 1774 by a trio of outstanding watchmakers: Pierre Jaquet-Droz, his son Henri-Louis, and Jean-Frédéric Leschot. After travelling far and wide in Europe, they were gifted to the City of Neuchâtel on 1 May 1909. Ever since then, they have been the Museum's flagship exhibit.
Public demonstrations
Due to the relocation of the automata to the new room dedicated to them, public demonstrations, as well as demonstrations by reservation, are cancelled.
Permanent exhibition
The automatons can be visited all year round. A twenty-minute audiovisual presentation, in various languages, briefly recounts the history of the Jaquet-Droz watchmakers and their prestigious automata.
Information and reservations
Please telephone the Museum's reception on 032 717 79 25, or send an email to mahn(at)ne(dot)ch.
Demonstration: CHF 120.00 for the first 10 participants, then CHF 10.00 for each extra participant.
Translation: additional charge of CHF 70.00.
vidéo de présentation
Vidéo: REC Production SA, Neuchâtel - Philippe Calame