Temple du Bas

Temple du Bas in Neuchâtel is a late-17th-century Reformed church that now serves as one of the city's main concert halls, close to Lake Neuchâtel. It can still host worship, but its everyday role is as the Salle de musique, a venue for concerts, ceremonies and conferences.

Why was it built?

The church dates from 1695 or 1696, depending on the source. The reason was simple: the town's Collégiale could no longer hold all the faithful, and Huguenot refugees were arriving after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Its first name was Temple Neuf, "the new church". The plans are attributed to Joseph Humbert-Droz.

How did a church become a concert hall?

Around 1973 the interior was adapted as a music hall, while the building kept its status as a place of worship. A major renovation followed between 2019 and 2021, led by the architecture firm Serge Grard. It included cleaning and restoring the original timber ceiling, which gives the room much of its character.

What will you see inside?

The hall is spacious, seating roughly 700 to 800 people depending on the layout. The period wooden ceiling stands out most. The interior is plain, in the Protestant tradition, with none of the ornament of a baroque church. Programmes range from orchestras and choirs to jazz and rock, so the room handles very different kinds of sound.

How do you visit Temple du Bas?

The easiest way is to attend an event. Concerts cover classical music, choirs, jazz and rock, alongside academic occasions and ceremonies. Outside event hours the interior is often closed, so check the venue calendar or ask the Neuchâtel tourist office before you go. The exterior can be seen at any time during a walk through the centre.

How do you get there?

The building stands in central Neuchâtel near the lake (coordinates 46.9912 N, 6.9301 E). The main pedestrian streets and the waterfront are an easy walk from the railway station, and the old town with the Collégiale is a short stroll away.

What else is nearby?

Climb to the castle hill and the Collégiale, whose overcrowding led to this church being built, and take a walk along the lakeside promenade.

Frequently asked questions

Is Temple du Bas still a church? Formally it kept its role as a place of worship, but day to day it works as a concert hall.

How many people does it hold? Roughly 700 to 800, depending on the stage and seating setup.

When was it built? In the late 17th century, in 1695 or 1696.

Can you go inside without a ticket? That depends on the programme. Outside events the hall is often closed, so check dates in advance.