Nyon Castle

The political and administrative heart of the town for 700 years, the castle has also housed a museum since 1888. From the cellar up to the attic, the building is now open to the public: it showcases porcelain from the Nyon factory, the prisons which were closed in 1979, and, in the attic, an immersive exhibition entitled ‘The Museum Attic’.

Nyon Castle: a seat of government that has changed hands

A simple fortified house was constructed in the 12th century by the rulers of Cossonay, who at the time were the owners of the nearby Château de Prangins. One century later, the House of Savoy took control of the town of Nyon. They transformed the building into the seat of their castellany, and in 1360 added two towers on the lake side.

Following the conquest of the Pays de Vaud in 1536, the Bernese government undertook major works. These works gave the castle its current form, and no fewer than 52 bailiffs resided there in succession, along with their families and the administrative staff who governed the bailiwick.

Finally, in 1804, the Town of Nyon acquired the building. Since then it has housed the courts and prisons, the town council chambers, and, since 1888, a museum.

In 2006, the castle was fully restored and became an art and history museum. Since then, it has showcased Nyon porcelain, the striking atmosphere of the old prisons, the Falconnier glass bricks that so fascinated Le Corbusier, and the photographic portraits from the Kunz studio.

What is there to visit inside?

Head for the museum reception, beneath the castle courtyard, where the foundations of the building can be seen. From here, a beautiful spiral staircase leads visitors up to the upper floors. Stone carvings line the way up, crafted by stonemasons from Valsesia.

On the ground floor, various rooms are given over to temporary exhibitions. This floor features impressive ‘French-style’ ceilings dating from 1577–1578.

Need a breath of fresh air? On the first floor, an outdoor gallery overlooks the courtyard. It leads to a green room offering a fantastic view over the lake. Sit down on the sofa in front of the fireplace and listen to a piece by Franz Schubert, inspired by the poet Friedrich von Matthisson, who once lived in this room - what bliss! This poet was a friends with the learned bailiff of Nyon, Charles-Victor de Bonstetten.

Handle with care! The first floor houses the permanent exhibition featuring the fine porcelain made in Nyon in the late 18th century. To find out how it was made, a film is shown in a castle turret. Designs featuring dragonflies, ladybirds and other insects decorate Nyon’s tableware. A whole garden on your plate! Admire the cornflowers, a typical motif of the manufactory, along with many other themes.

A change of atmosphere… When it was built in 1578, the third floor was used as a torture chamber and prison. Refurbished in the 19th century, it only fell into disuse in 1979. Left unchanged, with numerous graffiti markings, the cells evoke the daily life of the captives.

As you leave the prisons, an ‘animated mural’ whimsically presents a few figures from Nyon’s history, including Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Madame de Staël, Jean-Luc Godard and Professor Tournesol. The whole display is the creation of artist Pierrick Sorin.

At the very top of the stairs, visitors finally arrive in the attic: the design allows them to soak up the atmosphere of a loft with mysterious shadows.

A wide range of events for all audiences

Explore the castle by torchlight, dancing, on your own, or with the family: we offer events to suit all tastes and all ages, from 2 years old and upwards: exhibition openings, corporate events, guided tours and scientific talks, children’s birthday parties with medieval and animal themes, escape games for teenagers, storytelling for families, quick tours with drinks in the cellar, and friendly, relaxed tours with our cultural guides.