L’Abbatiale de Payerne (VD) continues to unveil works from its own collection. From March 21 to June 22, the Association du site (ASAP) will present its new temporary exhibition: “Coup d’oeil sur les collections: objets mis au jour, objets mis à jour,” focusing on archaeological history, and civilizations.
The exhibition, according to ASAP, “illustrates the issues related to archaeological excavations and documentation. It highlights the role of objects in our interpretation of the past, through a confrontation between ancient objects and objects from our everyday life.” The exhibit aims to trace the journey of an archaeological object from its discovery to its presentation in a museum.
A participatory approach extends this parallel between past and present: each month, the public is invited to identify a new object and its use through an “archaeological riddle.” This interactive element adds a unique layer to the museum experience, encouraging visitor engagement with history.
The Abbatiale de Payerne, one of Switzerland’s largest Romanesque churches, frequently hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The Abbey Church’s website details upcoming events, including a Good Friday concert on April 3, 2026, featuring Johann Sebastian Bach’s Markuspassion, and an organ concert with Benoît Zimmermann on April 4, 2026. The museum as well participates in Museum Night on May 9, 2026, and will host a performance of G.F. Händel’s Judas Maccabeus on May 10, 2026. A sensory trail will be open from July 1 to August 30, 2026.
Recent cultural seasons have focused on archaeology, with collaborations between the Abbatiale de Payerne, Chillon Castle, and the Palais de Rumine. Switzerland Tourism highlights the site’s collection, including paintings by Aimée Rapin, a painter without arms (1868-1956), and items related to General Antoine-Henri Jomini (1779-1869).
The Abbatiale de Payerne reopened to the public in July 2020 after extensive restoration work. The museum is currently undergoing redevelopment, with permanent exhibitions available upon request.
