Charlie Chaplin fans rejoice, this weekend sees the opening of the long awaited museum dedicated to the talented actor. The museum – Chaplin’s World – will open on Sunday in the village of Corsier-sur-Vevey in Vaud and just one day after what would have been Charlie Chaplin’s 127th birthday.
The museum has undergone numerous battles to get to this stage, just to give you an idea of just how much, this project is 15 years in the making. From lawsuits to building permit waits, the organisers have overcome quite a few hurdles. Thankfully for us though the day has finally come. The brainchild of a Canadian cultural entrepreneur, Yves Durand and his architect partner Philippe Meylan, they approached two of Chaplin’s children to buy the house and set up a museum back in 2000. The museum is set within a 14-hectare park surrounded by century old trees.
After being barred from the United States in the 1950’s, Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life in Switzerland. It’s here at his home where half of the museum has been set up. The other half is in a newly built studio that has been styled in the famous hollywood fashion. The goal of the museum is to present the public with both sides of the man. In the manor, the exhibits focus on Chaplin the man, particularly his life and lifestyle. From his humble start in London to his rise as one of Hollywood’s most influential and long lasting legends. While in the studio you will be introduced to Chaplin the artist and his work through the 150 seat cinema, stage sets and other media of his work.
There is also a Chaplin’s Café Restaurant opening which will serve Chaplin inspired food during the daytime and it will then become a semi gourmet restaurant in the evenings. If you feel like having a Charlie Chaplin inspired party then you can also rent out their 250m2 reception area, which takes up the top floor of the mansion.
For those you who will be wanting to visit the centre it is open every day from 10:00 – 18:00. For admission adults can expect to pay CHF 23, while children (6-15 years) will be charged CHF 17 with free entry for children under 6 years. There is also a family rate of CHF 68. To get there, if takes just under 2 hours from Luzern by car and 3 hours by public transport. So you can either make a day or weekend trip out of it!
As Chaplin once said himself, “My art is for the people” and there is no better place to showcase the master himself then in what was once his own home.
