According to the Musée suisse du jeu in La Tour-de-Peilz, a new exhibition dedicated to 600 years of playing card history opens to the public, bringing together over 2,000 cards ranging from 15th-century tarot decks to contemporary collectible franchises like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. The exhibition draws on collections from seven European institutions—including the Musée français de la Carte à jouer in Issy-les-Moulineaux, referenced by the museum—alongside roughly 15 private collections to present an unprecedented overview of card gaming history.
Six Centuries of Card History on Display
The exhibition traces the evolution of gaming cards from their earliest European iterations up to modern collectible card games. Visitors can examine rare 15th-century illuminated tarot cards that represent some of the oldest surviving examples on the continent, according to the Musée suisse du jeu. The displays also feature early jokers and artifacts that chart how regional card games transformed into global phenomena over six centuries.
Rare Collectibles and Major Franchises
Modern gaming culture takes center stage alongside historical artifacts through dedicated displays of rare trading cards. According to the museum, visitors will find exceptional collections of “Magic: The Gathering” cards, featuring the Black Lotus. Pokémon is also heavily featured as the franchise celebrates its 30th milestone, with organizers showcasing scarce cards from the series.
Did you know? The exhibition features loans from seven European museums and over 15 private collections, supplementing the permanent holdings of the Musée suisse du jeu in La Tour-de-Peilz.
Interactive Elements and Public Programming
Beyond static displays, the exhibition incorporates 16 interactive stations designed to let visitors explore the underlying mechanics of card games through video games and digital formats. The venue has scheduled a public program featuring tournaments, lectures, and special events to accompany the exhibition during its run.
Pro Tips for Visitors
- Plan for extra time to explore all 16 interactive digital stations.
- Check the museum schedule for upcoming tournament dates and specialized lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the playing card exhibition run?
According to boardgame.fr, the exhibition titled “Cartes à jouer : des origines aux cartes à collectionner” runs from August 21, 2026, through July 4, 2027.
Where is the exhibition located?
The event is hosted at the Musée suisse du jeu located in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland, as stated by the museum.
What major franchises are featured in the collection?
The exhibition highlights historical tarots alongside modern heavyweights, including rare cards from “Magic: The Gathering” (such as the Black Lotus) and “Pokémon,” according to museum announcements.
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