Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle

About the museum

The Espace goes back to the great affection Jean Tinguely enjoyed among the people of Fribourg toward the end of his life. His wife Niki de Saint Phalle therefore donated several monumental works from this creative phase to the Canton of Fribourg. After the artist's death in 1991, the State Council suggested a museum for his work, and the city of Fribourg made an old building available for it.

The building is the former Garage du Bourg, a depot of the Fribourg tramway company built around 1900. In 1995 the foundation “Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle” was established, which took charge of converting the hall and maintaining an exhibition venue for the work of both artists. The opening took place in 1998.

At the heart of the permanent exhibition are Tinguely's 1990 “Retable de l'Abondance occidentale et du Mercantilisme totalitaire” and Saint Phalle's series of 22 reliefs “Remembering” made of painted polyester (1997/98). The Espace is managed jointly with the Musée d'art et d'histoire Fribourg; the two museums have their own opening hours and a joint combined ticket. Alongside the permanent display, the Espace shows exhibitions by artists who engage with the work of the two.

Highlights

• Tinguely's Retable de l'Abondance occidentale et du Mercantilisme totalitaire (1990)
• 22 reliefs “Remembering” by Niki de Saint Phalle (1997/98)
• Former tram depot from 1900 as an exhibition hall
• Combined ticket with the Musée d'art et d'histoire Fribourg
• Museum shop with posters, books, jewellery and textiles

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung Jean Tinguely und Niki de Saint Phalle – On show are Tinguely's large Retable of 1990 and Saint Phalle's 22 reliefs “Remembering” made of painted polyester, which hold a dialogue in the old tram depot.

Founded

1998

Admission & discounts

Free admission for school classes with a teacher, children up to age 16, and members of AMS, ICOM and the Friends of the Museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 Espace is suitable for wheelchair users; information is available from the secretariat on +41 26 305 51 40.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children up to age 16 have free admission; for schools and a general audience there are educational programmes with activities for children and adults.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A12, exit Fribourg Nord.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with posters, T-shirts, scarves, cards, jewellery and art books.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit