THE INTERNATIONAL WATCHMAKING MUSEUM
The International Watchmaking Museum of La Chaux-de-Fonds (MIH) presents the largest watchmaking collection in the world. From the gnomon to the latest atomic clocks resulting from Hobbing, every era is represented through objects of all origins. The MIH does not only present objects; certain processes and certain themes related to the measurement of Time are explained there in a didactic manner. With its restoration workshop and its documentation center (Man and Time), the MIH is a major player in the conservation, culture, and watchmaking education on an international scale.
The Institution originates from the didactic collection assembled as early as 1865 by the Watchmaking School of La Chaux-de-Fonds; its founding act, under the name Museum of Watchmaking, was signed on March 24, 1902. It took on its current name, with the subtitle “Man and Time”, in 1968. The current building, largely underground, was designed by architects Pierre Zoelly and Georges-J. Haefeli and built from 1972 to 1974; it received the European Museum of the Year Award in 1977. Since 1993, the museum has annually awarded the Gaïa Prize, an international distinction honoring personalities from watchmaking research, craftsmanship, and industry. Its collections today number more than 10,000 objects. To learn more: official museum page.
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