The Musée international d’horlogerie (MIH) in La Chaux-de-Fonds was built between 1972 and 1974 to plans by Pierre Zoelly and Georges-Jacques Haefeli. In order to preserve the municipal park environment, the museum occupies an underground volume of 20000 square meters, dug into the side of the park. It was awarded the concrete architecture price in 1977.
Entrance of the Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Natural light flows into the museum through large window panes. They are integrated into curved walls that rise from the municipal park.
Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
The three underground levels also delimit the different sections of the museum: temporary exhibitions and assemblies, works from the ancient era, and manufacturing and contemporary watches.
Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
The carillon in the museum park is the work of sculptor Onelio Vignando. Executed in stainless steel, the sculpture has a weight of 15 tons. Being both acoustic and mobile, it animates the park every fifteen minutes.
carillon of the Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
carillon of the Musée international d’horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds
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