Chaplin´s WorldA museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, located in Corsier, the village above Vevey where the great actor retired and lived until his death in 1977. Opening April 17, 2016.
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Moving forth with a scenographic concept unique in the world
A new venue for the sole purpose of allowing visitors of all ages to experience an immersive experience in the world of Charlie Chaplin. The Manoir retraces the private and public life of this genius of the 7th art. The Studio, a new building of Hollywood inspiration, presents the cinematographic work of one the greatest artists of the 20th century. The four-hectare park showcases hundred-year-old trees beloved by Charlie Chaplin and a breathtaking view of Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) and the Alps.
Immersion in the intimacy of family life, a meeting with Charlie Chaplin - The man
As part of the cultural heritage of Switzerland, the Manoir de Ban embodies the peace and serenity so eagerly sought by Charlie Chaplin. It was here, in Corsier-sur-Vevey, that he lived the last 25 years of his life in the company of his wife, Oona, and his eight children. The 500 m2 staging of the Manoir is dedicated entirely to Charlie Chaplin the man, and to his daily life.
Some rooms in the Manoir have been recreated with furnishings and personal items on public exhibit for the first time. The library breathes life into the words and writings - and the place they occupied in the artist’s mind. The living room evokes memories of Chaplin’s meetings with the musicians of his era and his passion for musical composition.
On the first floor, visitors will discover new aspects of the intimate life of Charlie Chaplin, his many travels around the world, the celebrities he met and the rhythm of family life in their new home in Switzerland. A tour of the Manoir provides insight into the reasons that led him to Switzerland, how he lived there and memories that he treasured.
Immersion in the cinematographic world, a meeting with Charlot - The Tramp, the artist
The Studio is a 1350 m2 building built on the domain to present the cinematographic world of the artist and filmmaker. The tour starts with a montage of images tracing Chaplin’s life and work. It continues onto a street right out of an Easy Street decor, one the most emblematic settings of his movies. In a decor drawn from the "The Circus", discover great actors of the silent movies such as Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy. Then, try to mime the most varied figures of Charlot’s Pantomime.
Enter a production set and experience the atmosphere of a film set under the projectors: in the cabin of "The Gold Rush", imagine being in the famous movie scene - in the decor of the machine in "Modern Times", have an incredible photo taken!
A recreated editing room explains how the unforgettable music and images were imagined, shot and edited. Move along Hollywood Boulevard and find Charlot in situations most characteristic of his personage: human, dramatic and funny in moving scenes of the barber in "The Great Dictator", the restaurant in "The Immigrant", the cabin in "The Gold Rush", and "The Bank".
At the Manoir and Studio alike, the tour is punctuated by encounters with more than 30 wax figures: Charlie Chaplin and Oona, Charlot, actors and actresses in his movies, Claire Bloom, Paulette Godard and Sophia Loren, as well as friends and people who mattered to him: Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and artists greatly inspired by his work, such as Roberto Benigni, Federico Fellini, and even Michael Jackson.
A venue that brings together generations, like Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin enjoyed the tranquillity and beauty of the park where he strolled each day with his wife, Oona, and his children, and loved to picnic. As a part of the tour, this four-hectare park will welcome children and adults and delight those in love with the region.
Jean-Pierre Pigeon, the manager of Chaplin’s World, states: "The tour of Chaplin’s World is scripted and staged using cutting edge multimedia technologies to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the era, the personality of the man, his work and his talent. With the agreement of the Chaplin Family, designers Yves Durand and Philippe Meylan and Compagnie des Alpes, the developer and operator, have drawn on the huge heritage left by Chaplin to open to the public a truly immersive venue and offer a Chaplinian experience. We very much look forward to welcoming our first visitors."
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