SwissBierMuseum
The museum on the Cardinal site of the bluefactory tells the origins and production of beer and the history of the Cardinal brewery in Fribourg.
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About the museum
The foundation Fondation Blancpain pour le Maintien des Traditions de la Brasserie was established by Claude Blancpain in 1978 to preserve Fribourg's brewing heritage. The Cardinal brewery goes back to a small brewery founded in 1788 at the Auberge du Saumon inn on the Sarine. When the brewery relocated its operations in 2011, the collection stayed on the former site, which is now used as the bluefactory Fribourg.
The SwissBierMuseum opened on this site in 2021. On more than 500 m², it shows how beer is made, what everyday life in the brewery was like and how closely the Cardinal story is tied to the development of the city of Fribourg. Collector vehicles and a reconstructed historic bistro are part of the tour. The panels and videos are labelled in French, German and English.
In the foyer of the building is the 350 m² Fermentarium. It serves as an extension of the museum for exhibitions by regional artists, workshops, conferences and meetings.
Highlights
- Former brewery site of the Cardinal brewery on the bluefactory
- More than 500 m² of exhibition on the brewing process and everyday brewery life
- Historic bistro serving beer and soft drinks
- Collector vehicles of the brewery
- Fermentarium as an event and exhibition space
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung zu Bier und Brauerei Cardinal – The exhibition shows the most important steps of beer production, life in the brewery and the history of Cardinal in connection with the city of Fribourg; it also includes a historic bistro.
- Founded
- 2021
- Operated by
- Fondation Blancpain pour le Maintien des Traditions de la Brasserie
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8Students, seniors (AHV), people with disabilities (IV) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free under 16 years of age, accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | CHF 8AHV (Swiss old-age insurance) |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 8IV (Swiss disability insurance) |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8 |
| Groups | –Guided tour CHF 120 per guide (up to 30 people; CHF 15 per person from 20 people) plus admission. For small groups of fewer than 10 people, a surcharge of up to CHF 100 may apply. |
| Short guided tour with drink (fewer than 10 people, 30 minutes) | CHF 20In the language of the person receiving the tour |
| Light aperitif in the historic bistro (surcharge) | CHF 6Drink and simple snacks |
| Local aperitif (groups by reservation only) | CHF 12Drink, cheese and cold cuts platter |
| Small beer tasting (groups by reservation only) | CHF 183 beers of 1 dl each, one 3 dl glass, cheese and cold cuts platter |
The ticket is valid for the whole day and can be bought online or on site.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition is accessible except for the part on the history of the Cardinal brewery; on request, this part is told orally. The lift is reached via the rear of the building, and the team will accompany you on request. The museum is listed with Pro Infirmis.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 30 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
Children under 16 years of age enter free when accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Freiburg (SBB) · 10-min walk
About 10 minutes on foot from Fribourg SBB railway station.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking for cars and coaches near the museum.
The museum is located on the site of the former Cardinal brewery at the bluefactory Fribourg.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Historic bistro with current beer, Sinalco, coffee and water.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 50 guests.
The Fermentarium (350 m²) is available for exhibitions, workshops, conferences and meetings; up to 50 people in the hall, and up to 100 people in the adjoining area for vernissages. A maximum of 100 people are permitted in the museum at the same time. Group events with aperitif or tasting in the historic bistro by arrangement.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Individual visit with panels and videos in French, German and English (around 30 minutes, about 60 with a stop at the bistro). Guided tours mainly in French and German, English depending on availability; reservation at least 14 days in advance, maximum 30 people per guide. |
