Maison des Glaciers
Home of glacier pioneer Jean-Pierre Perraudin in Lourtier, with an exhibition on Alpine life, glaciers and natural hazards in the Val de Bagnes.
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About the museum
Jean-Pierre Perraudin (1767–1858) was a carpenter, municipal councilor, hunter and keen observer of his surroundings. From what he saw in the terrain he drew conclusions about the role of glaciers, and he is therefore regarded as a pioneer of glacier theory. His house in Lourtier, which he built himself, was converted into the Maison des Glaciers in 1993. The building is a listed monument.
The 2018 scenography focuses on careful observation of the Alpine region. On the second floor, the exhibition shows life in earlier times from Perraudin's point of view and explains how the 1818 outburst of the Giétro glacier is connected with glacier theory. On the third floor, the focus is on living in the mountains, on natural events and on remembering them.
The Maison des Glaciers is one of the Maisons du Patrimoine of the Musée de Bagnes, which are spread across the Val de Bagnes and show past crafts and ways of life in the Alps.
Highlights
- Home of glacier pioneer Jean-Pierre Perraudin
- Exhibition on the 1818 Giétro outburst and glacier theory
- 2018 scenography on observing the Alps
- Part of the Maisons du Patrimoine of the Musée de Bagnes
Permanent exhibition
- Maison des Glaciers – The house of Jean-Pierre Perraudin tells of life in earlier times, the 1818 Giétro outburst, glacier theory and living in the mountains.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Musée de Bagnes
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 pay no admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 5Same price as for adults. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 5Same price as for adults. |
| Groups | –Group visits outside the summer opening hours on request. |
| Guided tour (surcharge on top of admission) | CHF 100In addition to the single admission. |
Admission applies to the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble and to all Maisons du Patrimoine. Free with Raiffeisen MemberPlus, the Swiss Museum Pass, ICOM, ICOMOS, Abobo, AG Culturel, VIP Pass and CarteCulture Caritas. A PASS Musée & Patrimoine can be borrowed from the Bagnes library and gives free access to the museum and the Maisons du Patrimoine.
Accessibility
- Partially 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
According to the museum, the historic buildings, with small rooms and stairs, make visits difficult for people with limited mobility. Exhibition texts are available in English.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
According to museums.ch, the museum is easy to reach by public transport.
The house is in the village center of Lourtier, Chemin Jean-Pierre Perraudin 9.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 | Group visits and guided tours on request from the Musée de Bagnes. The museum's school offerings are listed under the heading "Accueil des publics". |
