Alimentarium

The Alimentarium is a museum about food in Vevey, on the shore of Lake Geneva, and it is the kind of museum that appeals to almost everyone, since everyone eats. It was founded in 1985 by Nestlé, the food company that was born in Vevey in the 1860s and still has its headquarters in the town, and it has since been run as a foundation with a wider educational role. It stands on the lakefront, next to the promenade, in a large building with a garden, and in the water outside is a huge fork, planted in the lake as a landmark of the town. The fork has become one of the best-known sights of Vevey and a favourite place for photographs.

The museum has been completely redesigned in recent years, and its approach is more about understanding and enjoying food than about the history of one company. Exhibits cover the whole chain from the field to the plate, with sections about how food is produced, how it is processed and preserved, how the body digests it and what happens when people choose what to eat. Interactive displays invite visitors to taste, smell and touch, to prepare simple recipes, and to learn about the senses involved in eating. There are also displays about the cultural side of food, such as the rituals of meals, the customs of different societies and how tastes change over time. The aim is to encourage curiosity and healthy habits without lecturing.

A strong feature is the kitchen. The museum has a working kitchen and workshops where visitors, including children, can take part in cooking activities and tastings, usually guided by a chef or educator, and some are organised for families on weekends and in holidays. These sessions need booking and have limited places, so it is worth checking the programme. A garden around the building grows herbs, fruit and vegetables, and a café and shop sell food-related items. Temporary exhibitions deal with topics such as chocolate, bread, sugar and the future of food, and they change several times a year.

The museum fits naturally into a day in Vevey. The lakeside promenade, with its views of the Alps, leads to the statue of Charlie Chaplin, who lived nearby, and the old town, with its market square, is a few minutes away. The Fête des Vignerons, the great wine growers' festival, is based here, and the vineyards of the Lavaux terraces begin a short distance along the shore. Chaplin's World, the museum about the actor's life, in the village of Corsier-sur-Vevey, is a short trip by bus, so the two museums can be combined.

The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, but hours and ticket prices change, and special rules apply on public holidays, so check the website before you go. It is accessible to visitors with disabilities and suitable for families, school groups and curious adults. Allow two hours for the exhibition and more if you take part in a workshop. Texts are in French, with English available, and tours may be offered in other languages.