Crystal Museum - Tairraz Centre, Chamonix

The Crystal Museum - Tairraz Centre traces its origins back to the late 19th century when Joseph Cusin-Berlincourt, an avid collector fascinated by the valley's history, established the Alpine and Mont Blanc Museum in 1898. This initial endeavor laid the foundation for what would become a treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the region's rich heritage. In 1920, Cusin-Berlincourt generously donated 72 artifacts from his collection to the town, marking the formal beginning of the museum's journey.

The Crystal Museum invites visitors on a captivating journey through the world of Alpine mineralogy, showcasing remarkable collections from France, Europe, and around the globe. Renovated in 2021, the museum offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore exceptional specimens renowned for their quality, diversity, and beauty. Visitors can marvel at exquisite pieces including pink-red fluorites, smoky quartz, axinites, siderites, epidotes, and more, all of which have garnered international acclaim for their rarity and aesthetic appeal.

As the journey progresses, guests are transported beyond the Alps to explore mineral treasures from French mines and quarries before embarking on a global tour. From the azure hues of Chessy-les-Mines azurites to the shimmering aquamarines of Pakistan, the pyrites of Peru, the vibrant dioptases of the Congo, and the iridescent opals of Australia, the museum showcases the most emblematic specimens from each continent.