The MOB
1900-1945
montreux - oberland - bernois
Between 1890 and 1920 seventeen railways and tramways companies were founded in the area called "Riviera lémanique" (i.e. between Villeneuve and La Tour-de-Peilz) and in the Chablais region (i.e. the area around Aigle and Bex), as a result of what one would call today an economic bubble, caused by the technological development and the extension of the touristic offer in the region at that time.
Six projects of various promoters from various countries were, however, necessary for the concept of a railway between Montreux and Zweisimmen to be finalised and eventually approved by the Swiss authorities on 2 December 1899. On 18 August 1904 already, the route Montreux-Château-d’Oex was opened.
During the first decade of M.O.B.’s history, successes and backlashes followed each other, caused by the two World Wars and the economic crisis. The presentation of original documents, old posters and photographies of that time will allow us to get a better understanding of this adventure, which can be considered as a turning point in the economic and social development of our region.
Between 4 December 2011 and 15 April 2012
Musée du Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut, Grand Rue 107, 1660 Château-d’Oex
(To be visited together with the permanent exhibition)
