Swiss Museum of Games, Game museum in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland.
The Swiss Museum of Games sits in a medieval castle overlooking Lake Geneva and displays roughly 10,000 games spanning different centuries and regions. The collection fills the castle rooms with everything from dice games to modern board games.
The castle dates to the 13th century and was converted to a museum in 1987 after local people voted to transform it into a public space. This decision saved the structure from decline and gave it new purpose as a cultural venue.
The collection shows gaming traditions from different cultures that visitors can explore directly. You find games from China, Africa, and India displayed together, showing how people around the world developed similar ways to play.
The museum rooms are spread throughout the old castle, so it makes sense to spend time exploring at a relaxed pace. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be aware that the narrow spiral stairs and varying levels of the historic structure can be demanding.
The attached library holds roughly 5,000 books on games and gaming history, including an extensive chess collection gathered by historian Ken Whyld. This book collection is open to visitors and offers knowledge that game enthusiasts rarely find elsewhere.
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