Fondation Pierre Gianadda
Cultural foundation in Martigny with Gallo-Roman museum, automobile museum, sculpture park, as well as major art exhibitions and concerts.
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About the museum
The Fondation Pierre Gianadda grew from a chance discovery: In 1973, civil engineer Léonard Gianadda wanted to build a high-rise in Martigny, but the cantonal authorities required excavations first because the site was near the Roman city of Octodurus. In June 1976, a Gallo-Roman temple was uncovered. Gianadda wanted to preserve it and planned a building with an archaeological museum. A few weeks later, his brother Pierre died in a plane crash; to his memory, Gianadda made the building project a foundation. The charter was signed in February 1977; the house opened on November 19, 1978.
From the start, the foundation was a venue with multiple purposes: On the ground floor, the Musée gallo-romain displays finds from Roman times, including after a long dispute the Grands Bronzes d'Octodure, which came from Sion to Martigny. In the basement, the Musée de l'automobile opened in June 1981, today housing over forty vehicles, the oldest from 1897. Major art exhibitions with works by significant painters and sculptors were added, as well as a concert program.
Since the 1990s, a sculpture park with approximately 47 works has grown in the gardens, including pieces by Miró, Calder, César, Richier, and Maillol. This includes the Vieil Arsenal, where exhibitions run through November, the Pavillon Szafran with ceramic walls by Sam Szafran, and the Tepidarium, which protects Roman bath remains. According to its own account, approximately 11 million people have visited the exhibitions so far.
Highlights
- Musée gallo-romain with the Grands Bronzes d'Octodure around the Gallo-Roman temple discovery
- Musée de l'automobile with over 40 classic cars, including vehicles from 1897
- Sculpture park with approximately 47 works by Miró, Calder, César, Maillol, and others
- Major art exhibitions and concert series at the foundation
- Tepidarium with remains of Roman baths and Pavilion Szafran with ceramic walls
Permanent exhibitions
- Musée gallo-romain – The museum on the ground floor is built around the remains of a Gallo-Roman temple discovered in 1976 and displays finds from Octodurus, including the Grands Bronzes. It is part of the archaeological promenade of Martigny.
- Musée de l’automobile – In the basement, a collection of over forty vehicles from the Benz and Jeanperrin of 1897 to brands like Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, and Alfa Romeo, illustrating automotive history before World War I.
- Parc de sculptures – In the foundation's gardens, 47 sculptures by Miró, Calder, César, Richier, and Maillol, plus water features and Gallo-Roman remains.
- Founded
- 1978
- Operated by
- Fondation Pierre Gianadda
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 18Seniors over 60 years and people with disabilities (IV) |
| Children & teens | CHF 12Children from age 10; the foundation does not state a price for younger children |
| Seniors | CHF 18over 60 years |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 18People with disabilities (IV) |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 12under 25 years with ID |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 18 per personfrom 10 people: adults CHF 18, seniors CHF 16, students CHF 10; schools in Valais have free admission |
| Families | CHF 42Parents and children |
| Annual subscription adults | CHF 48 |
| Annual subscription seniors (over 60 years) | CHF 42 |
| Group tour up to 14 people (flat rate) | CHF 400by reservation, in French, English, German, or Italian; from 15 people reduced admission per person plus CHF 130 surcharge per group |
Free admission with Amis de la Fondation card, press pass, ICOM, ICOMOS, Visarte, AMS-VM, museum pass (Passeport Musée Suisse), Sotheby's Preferred, as well as Raiffeisen Visa and Mastercard Member Plus (also Junior). The Amis card from CHF 250 is valid for one year for two people.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to its own statement, the foundation is fully accessible, with separate entrance, ramps, elevators, and loan wheelchairs (please notify reception). For people with visual impairments, there is a special tour "Visitez du bout des doigts" with audio guides and 3D replicas of works in the sculpture park. Guide and assistance dogs are permitted; small dogs only in bag or basket.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | CHF 42 · Parents and children |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The foundation offers tours for children and families of its exhibitions and school programs for Valais classes; a family ticket costs CHF 42.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Martigny, Fondation Gianadda · 3-min walk
From SBB Martigny station via bus no. 201 toward Martigny-Croix to "Martigny, Fondation Gianadda" stop, then about 3 minutes walk.
By car
Free parking
Outdoor parking lot directly next to the foundation, open around the clock; free 7 a.m.–7 p.m. for maximum 5 hours, free 7 p.m.–7 a.m.; 4 charging stations for electric cars.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Restaurant and cafeteria Patio des Jardins in the sculpture park (restaurant April–November, bar du Foyer in basement in winter); picnicking in the garden permitted; bookstore with catalogs, art books, and children's books.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Restaurant Patio des Jardins with terrace available for events; Pavilion Szafran offers meeting rooms for groups.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public tours of each major exhibition (usually Wednesdays 7–9 p.m., at regular admission, no registration, in French) as well as group tours by reservation. For Valais school classes, "Les Petits Visiteurs" and "Les Apprentis Visiteurs" programs run (classroom animation and subsequent visit). |
