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About this place
The Temple Allemand (German Church) in La Chaux-de-Fonds is a neo-Gothic former Protestant church at Rue du Progrès 12 in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Today it works as a theatre and performance venue. Its German name is Deutsche Kirche, and locals know it as the Temple Allemand.
Why is it called the German Church?
It was the second Protestant church built in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name recalls the German-speaking Swiss who settled in the watchmaking town during the 19th century, mostly arriving from the canton of Bern. According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, around 30 percent of residents gave German as their language by 1880. The neo-Gothic nave dates from 1853, and the tower was added in 1881.
The building later ceased to be used for worship. Press accounts say that around the end of the 1980s the renovated, deconsecrated church became a cultural stage. It now hosts performances, and the ABC cultural centre programmes shows there.
What will you see?
The main draw is the architecture itself: a slender neo-Gothic nave with a tower, standing out against the regular grid of the city's 19th-century streets. The interior has been adapted for performances, so the best way to see it is to attend an event. Past programmes have included theatre, puppetry festival shows and contemporary stage work.
How do you get there?
The church is in the centre of La Chaux-de-Fonds, within walking distance of the station. The town sits in the Neuchâtel Jura, roughly 50 minutes by train from Neuchâtel. Its watchmaking-era urban plan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so pair your visit with a walk through the surrounding streets.
When should you go?
There are no fixed sightseeing hours as at a museum. Check the ABC programme or event listings and buy a ticket for a specific show. The theatre season runs through autumn, winter and spring.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Temple Allemand still a church? No. It has been deconsecrated and serves as a cultural venue.
Where exactly is it? At Rue du Progrès 12 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, canton of Neuchâtel.
When was it built? The nave dates from 1853 and the tower from 1881.
Can you enter without a ticket? The interior is normally open during events. Organisers publish times and prices for each show.
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