Who hasn’t heard of Charlie Chaplin? It’s a rhetorical question as the emblematic entertainer is famous worldwide. The star and producer of silent films City Lights and Modern Times, he transitioned successfully to talking films with The Great Dictator.
There hadn’t previously been a museum dedicated specifically to Chaplin but that changed with the opening of Chaplin’s World in Vevey, Switzerland in 2016.
Chaplin’s World, Vevey
Vevey is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque towns and we can see why Chaplin chose to live here. With his fourth wife Oona and their 8 children, by all accounts they had a wonderful family life here.
Charlie Chaplin’s Story
However, circumstances were not always so auspicious for Charlie. He was born in London in 1889 and had to fend for himself from a young age due to an absent alcoholic father and the the mental illness of his mother.
Chaplin was sent to a workhouse at just 7 years old and again a few years later. However he was a talented tap dancer and stage performer from a very young age, rapidly becoming a star in both the UK and North America. The new museum tells the story of his rags to riches journey, in the intimate setting of his family home.
Chaplin’s World by Grévin launched its immersive experience into the world of Charlie Chaplin, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Set in a four-hectare park where Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life, it has spectacular views of the Alps and Lake Léman.
The new museum has been designed by Philippe Meylan and Yves Durand, directed by Grévin and staged by Agence Confino. Grévin are famed for their wax museums, and this is their fourth international site.
Chaplin’s World Exhibits
Spread over 3000 m², the thematic tour includes a visit of The Manoir de Ban, recreating Chaplin’s private and public life. His family have been closely associated with the project and some of Chaplin’s personal items are on public display for the first time. He was a friend of many celebrities and musicians, and the library evokes his passion for music.
The journey continues in The Studio, presenting the cinematographic world of the artist and filmmaker. It leads us onto Easy Street, one the most iconic of his movies.
Moving on, you’ll enter the world of The Circus, discovering other famous actors from the era of silent films includinig Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy.
There’s much more to see in the Musée Chaplin including Hollywood Boulevard where you may come face to face with The Tramp or other characters from Chaplin’s films. There are over 30 waxworks created by Grévin, including some of the actors and actresses from his films such as Sophia Loren.
Make time to enjoy the restaurant in the grounds and to stroll around the park that Chaplin and his family loved so much.
And once you’ve left the museum, be sure to visit Charlie Chaplin’s statue on the waterfront. We’ll leave the final word to Jean-Pierre Pigeon, the manager of Chaplin’s World: “The tour of Chaplin’s World is scripted and staged using cutting edge multimedia technologies to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the era, the personality of the man, his work and his talent.
With the agreement of the Chaplin Family, designers Yves Durand and Philippe Meylan and Compagnie des Alpes, the developer and operator, have drawn on the huge heritage left by Chaplin to open to the public a truly immersive venue and offer a Chaplinian experience. We very much look forward to welcoming our first visitors.”
Visiting Chaplin’s World
To visit Chaplin’s World, it’s probably wise to purchase your e-ticket in advance at: https://www.chaplinsworld.com/en.
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed December 25th and January 1st.
Getting to Chaplin’s World
The museum is easily reached by plane from Geneva, then a 1h15 minute journey by car or train to Vevey. The museum address is:
Chaplin’s World, Route de Fenil 2, 1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland
You might also enjoy:
- Where to Eat in Zurich
- What to Do in Geneva
- Lucerne in 2 Days
- Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland
- Insider’s Guide to Verbier
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
Very good to know about Chaplin’s World. I have only seen Modern Times (with a live orchestra) and I loved it!
That must have been fun to see! I want to see more of his films now
I didn’t know about this museum, what an interesting life he had!
He certainly achieved a lot from humble beginnings
This looks so stunning, I had no idea he had such a life. Beautiful place too!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
It’s a very serene place, no doubt he needed that after such a hard early life
Oh wow, this place looks so interesting! I would love to visit this place!
http://roadesque.com
http://ourruins.com
I can’t wait to return to see the final result, it was very well advanced when we visited
How amazing to meet his granddaughter, lucky you Jalisa! You know he had 11 children, pretty impressive! Greetings from Iceland
What a fun place to explore, nice one!!
We felt very lucky, having such a sneak preview!
Wow, I can imagine what a fun experience this must have been – particularly seeing the collection of 30 waxworks including Sophia Loren! I love the photo of you standing with the famous man himself 😉
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
The waxworks weren’t actually in place when we had our preview but I’m sure they’re amazing
Oh that’s a pity – you’ll have to go back there sometime! haha.
Gabrielle x
This really looks like you’ve time traveled! I’ve always been fascinated by the silent era and this looks so amazing
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Now that’s travelling that I’d love to do! The films of the silent era have such great story telling don’t they
This sounds fantastic! What a cool experience and a way to appreciate Chaplin!
Http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
It’s a great idea as his films are so timeless
Such a lovely experience! Looks really interesting – I haven’t been to Switzerland since I was little, definitely need a trip out there soon!
Erin xx
islandbell.co.uk
I’ve been lucky to go twice this year and really enjoyed it – everything’s so pretty there!
This looks like such a fun experience! I love Chaplin and this sounds like a nice way to celebrate him. Great photos!
http://www.mintnotion.com
There’s something very universal about Chaplin and you’re right, it’s a great way to celebrate him
wow this is so cute, I love Chaplin
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
Me too, he’s very inspirational
Wow!! The place is just beautiful!! I love your outfit, the trench screams elegance and the boots scream edgy!
www.fashionstylemogul.com
Oh thank you Meron, I was wrapping up warm!
I am a massive fan of CC since my childhood 😉 Tomorrow is bank holiday, so we might go to Vevey – you really inspired me to go there ; -) Thanks