Queen Studio Experience | Montreux

Information

Landmark: Queen Studio Experience
City: Montreux
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe

Queen Studio Experience, Montreux, Switzerland, Europe

Queen: The Studio Experience is a permanent exhibition located inside the Casino Barrière in Montreux, Switzerland. It occupies the former Mountain Studios, which were owned by the band Queen from 1979 to 1993.

Visual Characteristics

The exhibition is integrated into the operational casino complex, utilizing the original control room and studio spaces. The lighting is low and dramatic, with glass displays housing original handwritten lyrics, costumes, and musical instruments. The centerpiece is the original mixing desk used by the band. The walls are adorned with gold records and historical photography from the recording sessions.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Rue du Théâtre 9, 1820 Montreux. It is a 10-minute walk (approx. 800m) southeast of the Montreux train station via the Avenue des Alpes or the Lakeside Promenade. As it is located inside the Casino Barrière, visitors enter through the main casino entrance. Admission is free. The casino is accessible by VMCV bus line 201 (stop: Montreux, Casino).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The studio was purchased by Queen in 1979 and served as the creative center where they recorded seven albums, including Jazz, Hot Space, and Made in Heaven. The "Experience" was curated by the Mercury Phoenix Trust and opened in 2013 to preserve the band's legacy in Montreux. The site overlooks Lake Geneva, which famously provided the backdrop for the Made in Heaven album cover.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access the original control room and use a replica mixing desk to re-mix Queen tracks such as "Made in Heaven." The exhibition features the "Mercury Phoenix Trust" wall, where fans can leave messages. Key artifacts on display include Freddie Mercury’s stage costumes and the original drum kit used by Roger Taylor. A dedicated room showcases the history of Mountain Studios and other artists who recorded there, such as David Bowie and The Rolling Stones.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility is fully indoors and climate-controlled. Public restrooms and dining options are available within the Casino Barrière complex. There is full 5G cellular coverage throughout the museum area. The exhibition is located on the lower level of the casino and is accessible via elevator for visitors with limited mobility.

Best Time to Visit

The exhibition is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00. It is generally less crowded during weekday mornings. It serves as an ideal indoor alternative during rainy weather. To avoid the peak casino traffic, morning or early afternoon visits are recommended.

Facts & Legends

A floor marker in the control room indicates the exact spot where Freddie Mercury recorded his final vocals for "Mother Love" in May 1991. A verified historical fact: the studios were originally built in 1975 and were renowned for having the best acoustics in Europe at the time, which is why the band initially chose to record there.