Musée gruérien
Cultural history museum in Bulle on the art, history and traditions of the Gruyère region; closed for renovation until spring 2028.
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About the museum
The Musée gruérien was founded in Bulle in 1917 with the support of the writer and journalist Victor Tissot, together with a library. It first moved to the “Hôtel Moderne” in 1923 and has been in its present building on Rue de la Condémine since 1978. The museum researches and presents the art, history and traditions of the Gruyère region in the canton of Fribourg.
The storerooms hold around 25,000 ethnographic and historical objects, including prints, paintings, sculptures, textiles, tools, wooden vessels, ceramics and furniture. They tell of the “armaillis”, the herdsmen of the region, of Alpine farming and the famous cheese, of French influence on folk art and of the religious character of the canton of Fribourg. Special features include poyas (painted depictions of the ascent to the Alpine pastures), farmhouse parlours, traditional costumes and works by painters such as Joseph Reichlen. The permanent exhibition “La Gruyère – itinéraires et empreintes” had been on show since 2012.
On 3 February 2025 the museum closed for extensive building work intended to better protect the collections and make them more accessible to the public. Reopening is planned for spring 2028. Until then, the museum offers city walks through Bulle and events in the town.
Highlights
- Around 25,000 objects on the art, history and traditions of the Gruyère region
- Poyas, farmhouse parlours, traditional costumes and everyday objects of the region
- Works by Joseph Reichlen and other painters of the region
- Guided city walks through Bulle (also during the closure)
- Founded
- 1917
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 9AHV, IV, students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children up to 16 accompanied by an adult have free admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 9AHV recipients |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 9 |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 8 per personAdmission CHF 12, for 10 or more people CHF 8 per person; guided tour CHF 100 (1 hour) or CHF 150 (1.5 hours) per guide; school classes CHF 3 per pupil (classes from the Gruyère region free). |
Free admission: Last Sunday of the month (arrangement before the closure)
Prices from before the closure; members of the Amis du Musée have free admission. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- 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 building has a lift (information from before the closure).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 16 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Baby changing facilities
- Kids’ birthday parties
Before the closure: eight hands-on stations in the permanent exhibition, an activity booklet for CHF 1.50 and children's birthday parties for children aged about 6 to 10. These offerings are suspended during the renovation.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Museum tours and school and family programmes are suspended during the renovation. Before the closure, a visit of 1 to 2 hours was recommended; pets had to stay outside. The museum continues to offer guided city walks in Bulle (meeting point Château de Bulle, 1.5 hours, CHF 12, free up to 16 years, Thursdays at 6 p.m. in French; for groups on request also in German and English, CHF 150). |
