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Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne

About

Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne is a delightful niche museum dedicated entirely to the history and artistry of typewriters. Founded by collector René Perret, it showcases one of Switzerland’s most impressive private collections, turning a seemingly modest object into a window onto technological innovation, design evolution, and the culture of writing. Inside, visitors discover over 300 machines, ranging from 19th‑century mechanical pioneers to sleek mid‑20th‑century models. Among the most intriguing pieces are early experimental devices with unusual keyboards, rare portable machines used by journalists in the field, and beautifully restored office typewriters whose engineering still feels surprisingly modern. The museum also highlights iconic brands—Remington, Underwood, Hermes—showing how each shaped professional and creative life. One fascinating fact is how typewriters influenced ergonomics and communication. Exhibits explain the origins of the QWERTY layout, the rise of typing schools, and the role of typewriters in women’s entry into office work. You can also see machines once used by Swiss writers and public institutions, adding a local historical layer.

Lausanne Switzerland
Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne
Location

The Musée de la machine à écrire de Lausanne is a unique museum for anyone interested in writing technology and office history. It is located at Rue des Terreaux 18b, in the Chauderon district of central Lausanne. The museum is small but remarkable, with a collection focused on typewriters, calculators, and other historical office machines. Its location makes it convenient to combine with other sights in Lausanne. Nearby, visitors can explore the Chauderon area and walk toward Place de la Riponne and the historic centre. The old town, with its atmospheric streets and Lausanne Cathedral, is one of the city’s main tourist highlights and is not far away. The Palais de Rumine and the city’s museum quarter also offer interesting cultural stops within a short distance. For visitors who enjoy unusual museums, this is an original and worthwhile stop in Lausanne.

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