The Alimentarium in Vevey

The Alimentarium in Vevey (VD) is one of the best days-out we’ve had with our 3 munchkins this winter.

Only one-hour’s drive from Geneva, a family outing to Vevey is a great option on a Sunday: the Alimentarium is open from 10am to 6pm and – after your visit – you can take a stroll to enjoy the superb views over Lake Léman and the mountains.

However wonky, a snap of Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Zaugg’s giant fork is quite a must: standing tall at 8 meters, this stainless steel sculpure emerges from the lake and is now an immediately recognised symbol of the city of Vevey.

The Alimentarium in Vevey – housed in Nestlé’s old HQ – is the world’s first food museum, covering all aspects of the history of food products as well as healthy eating and the digestive process in a fun, interactive way.

The boys loved playing with some of the food-themed board games available on the ground floor, while Little Miss Cutie busied herself in the little play kitchen.

Upstairs, the section about the five senses and the digestive system was great fun too, with guess-the-flavour candy machines and plenty of “secret” cabinet-drawers to pull out.

The Junior section of the Alimentarium, which includes a kitchen-lab, computer restaurant and giant digestive tube, offers some great activities for children, groups and individual families:

•  Family guided tours from 3pm to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month. The next ones for 2013 will be on the 3rd March, 1st April, 5th May, 2nd June, 7th July, 4th August, 1st September, 6th October, 3rd November & 1st December 2013. From age 5.
• Dimanche apres-midi workshops from 2pm to 4.45pm. Ages 5-12, places to be booked in advance at 021 924 41 41.
• Les Après-midi du Junior on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4.45pm. Ages 6-12, places to be booked in advance at 021 924 41 41.

The current temporary exhibition, “Collectionnez-moi” ends on the 24th of February 2013. The new exhibition “An Artist’s Delight : revealing the fantasies of Still Life” will begin on Thursday 2nd of May 2013 (inauguration at 6pm).

The agenda of upcoming events at the Alimentarium is packed: don’t miss the Pâkomuzé from the 29th of March to the 14th of April 2013 with its Easter chocolate workshops for kids aged 7-12; La Nuit des Musées on Saturday 11th of May 2013 and the Semaine du Goût (12th-22nd of September 2013).

Your children can also celebrate their birthday party at the Alimentarium: click here for their information page in French with full details (ages 6-12).

Since January 2013, the museum is also offering birthday parties for the youngest ones aged 4 to 6 with the Anniversaire des p’tits bouts en famille party option (cupcake workshop for 5 children and 6 adults maximum).

We had a great time at the Alimentarium and – on the way out – we also caught a glimpse of Charlie Chaplin’s statue and a magnificent sunset on the lake. What a great way to end a Sunday, don’t you think ?