CastleMôtiers

d'Ivernois Castle (Môtiers)

d'Ivernois Castle (Môtiers)

Museum



In the heart of Môtiers in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, stands the Château d'Ivernois, an architectural gem from the 18th century. This stately home, which once hosted significant personalities, is now a vibrant museum that unites art and history under one roof.

History+

The origins of the estate date back to the mid-16th century, when it was the residence of Claude Baillod, the then castellan of Val-de-Travers. In 1617, Prince Henry II of Orléans-Longueville was received here during his journey to the Principality of Neuchâtel. A profound transformation occurred from 1720, when the Parisian banker Abraham d'Ivernois acquired the property. He commissioned the architect Antoine Favre from Couvet to rebuild it according to plans by the Parisian architect Aubry. Completed in 1724, the new stately home was inspired by the French Hôtel particulier, with a courtyard at the front and a garden at the back. Over the centuries, the château hosted numerous personalities, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who lived in Môtiers from 1762 to 1765. Between 2002 and 2006, the château underwent extensive and historically accurate renovation by the Burkhardt-Felder Arts et Culture Foundation.

Location+

Château d'Ivernois is located in Môtiers, a village in the Val-de-Travers district in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 739 meters above sea level.

On site+

Today, Château d'Ivernois houses a museum. The former barn from 1721 showcases masterpieces of Australian Aboriginal art, while the riding hall from 1876 displays a collection of rare automobiles. The château is recognized as a building of national importance and is accessible to visitors.

Nearby+
  • Château de Môtiers (Château), approx. 1.1 km away
  • Château de Travers (Château), approx. 5.7 km away
  • Château Bonvillars (Château), approx. 9.2 km away
  • Château Corcelles-près-Concise (Château), approx. 10.2 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 46.9104, 6.6119