Discover Charlie Chaplin
At Chaplin’s World Switzerland
Few people know that at the conclusion of his life, the comedic genius of Charlie Chaplin relocated to Switzerland. Moving from the hustle and bustle of show business to the tranquil slopes of Canton Vaud. The star, best known for his defining films such as “The Great Dictator” and “City Lights”, spent 25 years and in particular his later days, in a Swiss village with his wife and eight children.
Chaplin’s World – The Star’s Family Home
A cult venue for film-lovers and Chaplin fans, Chaplin’s World provides entertainment and culture for everybody, across a 3,000 m² exhibit space in the Manoir de Ban. The curators of the museum have transformed the location from a country manor to a museum detailing his life in Switzerland. The Manoir de Ban lies on the shores of Lake Geneva and dominates the charming village of Corsier de Vevey. The house, along with the museum and grounds, allows a new and intriguing insight into the great star.
Designed by Philippe Meylan and Yves Durand, Chaplin’s World by Grevin has a myriad of exhibits detailing Charlie Chaplin’s life and career. The main part of the museum is the old house which contains a large amount of Chaplin’s own personal belongings.
Chaplin lived in the house from 1953 to his death in 1977 and his possessions give a great insight into his twilight years of film production. It also has items which allow us to picture the life of his family and children.
Chaplin moved to the area after his re-entry visa was revoked by the United States as his work received a large backlash in the United State during the cold war.
The manor house itself has a long history of its own, being part of the Vaud landscape since 1705. The exhibits tell the tale of a happy life, as rooms such as the library, study, and living rooms have all been painstakingly renovated and replaced to look exactly as it did while the Chaplains were in residence.
The Studio
Another great thing to see is the studio. The faithfully recreated space is a glimpse into what Hollywood was like during the 1920-40s.
The exhibit shows the visitor what a silent movie production would look like when Chaplin was making his classic films such as “Night Out” and “The Kid”. The ten-acre estate is also a must-see for its charming views of Lake Geneva.
The complex is around 3 hours from central Zurich and is in the small lakeside village of Corsier de Vevey. Chaplin did not intend to retire in Switzerland and continued to write and produce work from the Manoir. His legacy in the area has culminated in this fascinating museum to visit. Chaplin’s World provides an experience which is both interesting and enlightening for people of all ages.
130th Anniversary of Chaplin’s Death
2019 marks the 130th anniversary of Chaplin’s death and in recognition of this, the Museum is organising a series of very nitrating and informative events. To learn more about the 130th anniversary events please click here.
Chaplin’s World
Address: Route de Fenil 2, 1804 Corsier-sur-Vevey
Tickets: For ticket information click here.
For more information on Chaplin’s World, please visit their website.
Whilst visit Chaplin’s World we stayed at the Modern Times Hotel.
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Article written by Jan de Boer
Jan is Comment Editor of the Award Winning Student Newspaper “Nouse“
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