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Hundreds of Charlie Chaplin Lookalikes Gather in Switzerland for Museum Anniversary
On Sunday, 429 people in black bowler hats, toothbrush moustaches, and walking sticks gathered in a row of laughter and nostalgia at Chaplin’s World, the museum that occupies the former home of the silent‑film legend in Corsier‑sur‑Vevey, Switzerland. The event celebrated the tenth anniversary of the museum’s opening in April 2016 and was a bid to break the world record for the largest assembly of Chaplin lookalikes.
The crowd, more than 400 strong, arranged themselves into a giant number 10 on the lawn in front of the Manoir de Ban, the manor where Chaplin lived from 1952 until his death in 1977. The record set in 2017 at the same venue was 662 people, so the 2026 attempt fell short of the previous high.
According to AFP, 36‑year‑old French actor Anthony Champeil—who often portrays Chaplin on stage—said, "I am sincerely the happiest man alive," adding that the event was a celebration of Chaplin’s legacy. He noted that the gathering reflected the filmmaker’s belief that people should keep a childlike sense of wonder and play.
Participants also reflected on Chaplin’s broader contributions. Alice Kauffmann, who brought her children to the event as miniature lookalikes, said the gathering was "moving" and recalled the humanistic themes in Chaplin’s films such as The Great Dictator, The Kid and Modern Times. Sophie Teteule, 52, told AFP that she loved Chaplin and the museum, calling the moment "magnificent" and a fitting tribute to the actor.
The museum, part of the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance, occupies the Manoir de Ban estate on the banks of Lake Geneva. Chaplin moved to Switzerland in 1952 after being barred from the United States amid Cold‑War suspicions of communist sympathies. He spent the last 25 years of his life there, producing films that blended comedy with social commentary.
Organisers of the 2026 gathering were not deterred by the shortfall. Spokeswoman Olivia Baliguet told AFP that the museum already holds the world record and that future attempts could be made for the 20th anniversary or other milestones.
The event attracted fans of all ages, from children in miniature costumes to adults who had followed Chaplin’s career for decades. While the record was not broken, the gathering reinforced the enduring appeal of Chaplin’s work and the cultural significance of the museum in preserving his legacy.
The museum’s next major event will be the 20th anniversary of its opening in 2026, during which organisers plan to invite a larger crowd of lookalikes and film historians to discuss Chaplin’s influence on modern cinema.
The gathering underscores the continued relevance of silent‑film icons in contemporary culture and highlights the role of heritage sites in keeping their stories alive for new generations.
The crowd, more than 400 strong, arranged themselves into a giant number 10 on the lawn in front of the Manoir de Ban, the manor where Chaplin lived from 1952 until his death in 1977. The record set in 2017 at the same venue was 662 people, so the 2026 attempt fell short of the previous high.
According to AFP, 36‑year‑old French actor Anthony Champeil—who often portrays Chaplin on stage—said, "I am sincerely the happiest man alive," adding that the event was a celebration of Chaplin’s legacy. He noted that the gathering reflected the filmmaker’s belief that people should keep a childlike sense of wonder and play.
Participants also reflected on Chaplin’s broader contributions. Alice Kauffmann, who brought her children to the event as miniature lookalikes, said the gathering was "moving" and recalled the humanistic themes in Chaplin’s films such as The Great Dictator, The Kid and Modern Times. Sophie Teteule, 52, told AFP that she loved Chaplin and the museum, calling the moment "magnificent" and a fitting tribute to the actor.
The museum, part of the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance, occupies the Manoir de Ban estate on the banks of Lake Geneva. Chaplin moved to Switzerland in 1952 after being barred from the United States amid Cold‑War suspicions of communist sympathies. He spent the last 25 years of his life there, producing films that blended comedy with social commentary.
Organisers of the 2026 gathering were not deterred by the shortfall. Spokeswoman Olivia Baliguet told AFP that the museum already holds the world record and that future attempts could be made for the 20th anniversary or other milestones.
The event attracted fans of all ages, from children in miniature costumes to adults who had followed Chaplin’s career for decades. While the record was not broken, the gathering reinforced the enduring appeal of Chaplin’s work and the cultural significance of the museum in preserving his legacy.
The museum’s next major event will be the 20th anniversary of its opening in 2026, during which organisers plan to invite a larger crowd of lookalikes and film historians to discuss Chaplin’s influence on modern cinema.
The gathering underscores the continued relevance of silent‑film icons in contemporary culture and highlights the role of heritage sites in keeping their stories alive for new generations.
