Laténium
An archaeology museum and open-air park built atop three prehistoric and ancient sites, featuring the Bevaix boat and reconstructed Iron Age structures.
At a glance
The Laténium occupies a 2,500 m² park and museum building in Laténa, near the legendary La Tène archaeological site that gave its name to the Second European Iron Age. The museum houses the archaeological section of Neuchâtel’s Heritage Offices and the University of Neuchâtel’s prehistory chair.
History
The museum and park were constructed on the foundations of three archaeological sites discovered during excavation for the A5 motorway. These sites encompass three millennia of human settlement: the Upper Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age periods. Among the significant finds is the Bevaix boat, a 20-metre Gallo-Roman vessel recovered from Bevaix, and remains from a Magdalenian hunting camp.
What you see
The park features dolmens and glacial erratics alongside carefully reconstructed structures from antiquity—a La Tène Iron Age house, a Gallo-Roman ship, and a Celtic bridge. Modern artworks complement the prehistoric landscape. The museum building displays artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic through the Middle Ages, contextualizing human development across millennia.
Cultural significance
The Laténium stands as a guardian of the La Tène culture, the archaeological tradition that defined the Second Iron Age across Europe. By integrating museum displays with outdoor reconstructions and original excavation sites, it offers visitors an immersive understanding of prehistoric and ancient European life.
Key facts
- Location: Laténa, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Coordinates: 47.00722222° N, 6.97111111° E
- Park size: 2,500 m² (27,000 ft²)
- Featured artifact: Bevaix boat (20 m long Gallo-Roman ship)
Practical information & getting there
The Laténium is situated in Laténa, near Neuchâtel in northwestern Switzerland. You can reach it via road access from the A5 motorway corridor. For current opening hours, admission fees, and guided tours, consult the museum directly or visit their official website.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto