Temporary Exhibition – “Louis Bosset (1880–1950): From Compass to Trowel”

From 5 September 2025 to 21 February 2026

This exhibition is presented in French and German.

Architect, archaeologist, politician, Louis Bosset deeply shaped the heritage and architectural landscape of Payerne and the Broye region during the first half of the 20th century.

As cantonal archaeologist and a central figure in the restoration of the Payerne Abbey, he also had a prolific career in architecture, while being actively engaged in local and cantonal public life.

This temporary exhibition invites you to discover a major figure in the study and promotion of regional heritage, as well as an important witness of his era. It traces the richness of his
career through a selection of archives, plans, and photographs. Organized into three thematic sections, the exhibition covers his work as an archaeologist, his architectural achievements, as well as his political roles and personal universe, revealing a more intimate side of Bosset: the man behind the public figure.

Opening hours
According to the opening hours of the Abbey discovery trail.

Admission
The exhibition is included in the entrance ticket to the discovery trail and is free for residents of Payerne.

Around the exhibition

Opening

Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6:00 pm

Program
6:00 pm in the Abbey
Welcome and opening speech by Nicolas Schmid, President of ASAP
Presentation of the exhibition by Anne-Gaëlle Villet, Director-Conservator

6:30 pm
Free visit of the exhibition, followed by an aperitif

Practical information
Public opening.
For organizational reasons, please register using the form at this link until August 28, 2025.
Available only in French.

Guided tours

In the city of Louis Bosset – Private Architect
Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Meeting at 1:50 pm in front of Payerne train station
Available only in French.

In the city of Louis Bosset – Urban Architect
Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Meeting at 1:50 pm at the Abbey reception
Available only in French.

In the city of Louis Bosset – Archaeologist and restorer of the Abbey site
Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Meeting at 1:50 pm at the Abbey reception
Available only in French.

Commented visit of the exhibition
Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Meeting at 1:50 pm at the Abbey reception
Available only in French.

Fees
Adult: CHF 16.-, Reduced (AHV, AI, student, apprentice, unemployed): CHF 14.-, Children (6–15 years): CHF 10.-, Payerne residents and subscribers: CHF 10.- (other privileges or free admission suspended).

Conferences

Louis Bosset and the restoration of historic monuments in the Canton of Vaud during the interwar period: a controversial era
By Ludivine Proserpi
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Available only in French.

Louis Bosset, archaeologist – Four decades serving the site and monuments of Avenches
By Philippe Baeriswyl and Pierre Blanc
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Available only in French.

Louis Bosset: when Romandy architecture spoke German
By Gilles Prod’hom
Wednesday, January 14, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Available only in French.

Family memories: Louis Bosset told by his descendants
Wednesday, February 4, 2025 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Available only in French.

The conferences take place in the cinema hall of the Payerne Abbey.
Free admission, collection at the exit.

Children workshops

In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist
Fun path and workshop to investigate like an archaeologist and fill your excavation journal.
From 7 years old
Available only in French.

Imagine your dream construction!
Discover villas, bridges and decorations created by Louis Bosset, then invent your own construction. A creative workshop to build the world your way!
From 5 years old
Available only in French.

Dates
Wednesday, September 24, 2025: In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist
Saturday, November 8, 2025: In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist
Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Imagine your dream construction!
Saturday, January 24, 2026: Imagine your dream construction!
Wednesday, February 11, 2026: In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist

October school holidays
Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Imagine your dream construction!
Friday, October 17, 2025: In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist
Wednesday, October 22, 2025: In the footsteps of Louis Bosset, archaeologist
Friday, October 24, 2025: Imagine your dream construction!

From 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm, meeting at 1:50 pm at the Abbey reception.

Fees
CHF 15.-/child. Reduced price CHF 10.-/child from two children and for children living in Payerne.

carré site
Sunday, August 17, 2025: The Abbey Church, discovery tour and the reception will be exceptionally closed all day.