Discover the history of trains and railway workers in Ain

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A museum created with passion, run with passion!

Présentation

The Railway Workers Museum (Musée du Cheminot) was set up 25 years ago and houses a large collection of objects from the daily life of railway workers, presented across 1,000m² of exhibition space. From station offices to the train crew’s dining room, the museum has reconstructed typical scenes from the life of a railway worker at the start of the 20th century.

A rich collection – from steam trains to today’s high-speed rail

Since a large part of Ambérieu-en-Bugey’s population used to depend on the railway to earn a living, it’s hardly surprising that a small group of passionate rail workers decided to create a museum to retrace the history of the local railway. Their association is recognised for its contribution to the local community.

Wander through the museum’s authentic reconstructions and get an insight into the objects and places that formed part of a day in the life of a railway worker. The ground floor is dedicated to the museum’s history and the world of trains, while the first floor depicts typical scenes from the lives of railway workers.

An intriguing collection of objects from back in the day of steam trains

Come and discover with wonder:

  • model steam trains,
  • driver’s cabs from the 20th century,
  • the lamp room,
  • the apprentices’ workshop,
  • the signal box,
  • all the different maintenance tools and the different types of tracks built since the first ever railways,
  • the braking system set up in Ambérieu-en-Bugey,
  • the stationmaster’s office from the 1950s,
  • the canteen,
  • and lots other surprises lying in store…

All aboard for a journey back in time!

Video

Practical information

Opening hours

From 08/01 to 16/02/2024, every Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed exceptionally on 27/01.

From 17/02 to 03/03/2024 between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.

From 04/03 to 12/04/2024, every Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed exceptionally on Easter Monday.

From 13/04 to 28/04/2024 between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.

From 29/04 to 05/07/2024, every Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.

From 06/07 to 01/09/2024 between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
Closed exceptionally on July 14th and August 15th.

From 02/09 to 18/10/2024, every Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 19/10 to 03/11/2024 between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed on Monday.
Closed exceptionally on bank holidays.

From 04/11 to 20/12/2024, every Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.
Closed exceptionally on November 11th.

Prices

Adult: 5 €.

Free entry for children < 12 years, the drivers.
Group rate available for > 10 people.

Payment methods

  • Bank/credit card

Languages spoken

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The Miniature Railway Museum

Discover the Model Railway Museum in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, only 40km away, and continue your journey through the world of locomotives!

“Museum of railway heritage”

“If you’re fascinated by railways or just want to find out more about the different railway professions, you must visit the Railway Workers Museum in Ambérieu. Guided tours are given by the former railway workers who volunteer at the museum. They passionately recount their stories, from the era of steam trains to the high speed trains of today. Passionate and informative.”Reviewed 7th April 2017 by Jlvivi24 (translated from French)

“Museum run by passionate workers, for the young and old alike”

“You can get into different driver’s cabs, from steam trains to TGV high-speed trains (my 3-year old son was delighted to be able to climb into the driver’s seat!). There are life-size reconstructions of the braking and power supply systems with clear explanations. There are also all kinds of objects from the national rail service on display from all different periods. Recommended for railway enthusiasts but also for people of all ages who are curious in nature!” – Reviewed 22nd March 2017 by Cpounette (translated from French)

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PATRIMOINE CULTUREL
Mis à jour le 16 mars 2024 à 21:09
par Pérouges Bugey Tourisme

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