Museum

EXPO ELECTRO

EXPO ELECTRO, St-Imier. © patriceschreyer.com

Place
- Sonceboz-Sombeval
Ort

An exhibition in the heart of the Espace Découverte Energie (EdE).

Living without electricity is unimaginable for us. Every time an innovative technology emerges, it inevitably relies on this energy. And yet, electricity remains largely mysterious.

The invention of electricity is not only an extraordinary world of genius, perseverance, and creativity, but also the spark behind all the inventions we benefit from today. Whether we like it or not, electricity is essential in our society.
How did we go from candles to smartphones in just 140 years?

A visit to EXPO ELECTRO is conducted with a guide who tells the story of electricity and enriches the experience with engaging anecdotes about this remarkable space.
EXPO ELECTRO, set within the unique atmosphere of a former electrical plant listed as a historic landmark, showcases nearly 500 objects, including a dynamo built in 1896 by Swiss inventor René Thury, after whom the first room is named. A second room complements the exhibition with more than 150 items (Edison bulbs, rectifiers, motors, etc.), paying tribute to the brilliant Nikola Tesla, the father of alternating current.

These inventions shaped numerous fields such as telephony, lighting, and computing. They revolutionised transportation, industry, agriculture, and ultimately our entire way of life.

EXPO ELECTRO highlights the extraordinarily rich collection of Georges Cattin, restored with his expert and passionate hands. Switzerland played a leading role in the expansion of electricity, and EXPO ELECTRO proudly reflects this heritage.

GROUPS

- Guided tours from Monday to Sunday
- Reservation one week in advance
- Max. 20 people

Guided tour – Expo Electro: From Candle to Smartphone
EXPO ELECTRO, set in the atmosphere of a historic electrical plant, presents a unique Swiss collection of nearly 500 objects. The tour is conducted with a guide who narrates the history of electricity.
Duration: 1h30

You also have the possibility to rent the Geneux meeting room (capacity in meeting setup: 15 people; in conference setup: 16–40 people). The room is equipped with a projection screen.