Fondation Opale

About the museum

The Fondation Opale was founded in 2018 by Bérengère Primat and is dedicated to the contemporary art of Australia's Indigenous peoples. It is based on the founder's collection of more than 1,900 works, which is among the largest private collections of contemporary Aboriginal art in the world. By its own account, the foundation is the only art center in Europe devoted exclusively to this art.

The art center is located in Lens on the Lac du Louché. The architect Jean-Pierre Emery created an understated building whose mirrored façade of photovoltaic modules reflects the mountain landscape and makes the house almost disappear; from the green roof the view extends over the lake and the Alps. Around 1,200 square meters of exhibition space are available for changing exhibitions that bring Indigenous art into dialogue with modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Since December 2023 an extension designed by évéquoz ferreira architectes of Sion has complemented the house: it comprises an auditorium with 124 seats, a media library on contemporary Aboriginal art, a storage room and a meeting room. Besides the exhibitions, the foundation organizes concerts, readings and educational programs, publishes catalogs and works with artists and art centers of Australia's First Peoples.

Highlights

• Contemporary Aboriginal art from the Bérengère Primat collection
• Mirrored photovoltaic façade by Jean-Pierre Emery with a view of the Lac du Louché
• Permanent works by Darrell Sibosado and Yhonnie Scarce
• Auditorium and media library in the 2023 extension
• Restaurant L'Opale with terrace and Alpine panorama

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerwerke im Außenbereich und im Haus – The works on permanent display include the steel sculpture “Galalan” by Darrell Sibosado and the glass installation “Shadow creeper” by Yhonnie Scarce.

Founded

2018

Operated by

Fondation Opale

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Raiffeisen Member+, AG culturel, Abobo, Swiss Museum Pass, AMS, ICOM, Visarte, Association of Swiss Art Historians, press card and Swiss Travel Pass; also free for students of art and art history and people with refugee status (permit N, F or B). With the Passeport Valaisan, the Valais Pass and the Vercorin Tourisme guest card, admission can be redeemed at the ticket desk. 20 percent discount with the Alaïa Chalet day ticket, My Explorer Card, Pass-Sport Absolutely, Sierre Tourisme guest card and Pass Explore Switzerland.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A disabled parking space is located next to the main entrance on the lake side; wheelchairs are available on request at the ticket desk. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibition rooms, except guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's workshops on the 1st Sunday (10:30 a.m.) and the 3rd Wednesday of the month (2:30 p.m.), CHF 10 per child, with registration. Children's birthday parties with workshop for up to 15 children (CHF 20 per child). A game booklet for children aged 7 and over is available free of charge at the ticket desk. Strollers are not allowed in the exhibition area; baby carriers are lent free of charge.

Getting there & parking

By car: motorway exit Sierre Ouest toward Crans-Montana.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant L'Opale with seasonal cuisine and a terrace with panoramic views (reservations +41 27 483 46 11); museum shop and bookstore with art publications and products related to the exhibition themes.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit