Museum H.R. Giger

About the museum

The impetus came in 1990 with a major retrospective for Giger's 50th birthday at Gruyères Castle: the exhibition "Alien dans ses meubles" drew around 110,000 visitors. The artist fell in love with the region, and when Château St-Germain, situated lower on the hillside, came up for sale, the idea of a museum and centre for fantastic art of his own was born. On 11 September 1997 H. R. Giger acquired the building.

With the architect Roger Cottier, the then museum director Barbara Gawrysiak and many staff, the medieval house was renovated; the museum opened for the first time on 21 June 1998. The collection is regarded as the most extensive compilation of original works from Giger's creative phases since the early 1960s, including major works such as "The Spell" and the "Passages" series as well as numerous designs for films such as "Alien", "Alien 3", "Dune", "Species", "Poltergeist II" and "The Mystery of San Gottardo".

On the upper floor the museum shows Giger's private art collection as a permanent presentation and runs a gallery for exhibitions by other artists. In the adjoining part of the building the museum bar was created in 2003, a walk-in work of art whose ceiling, walls, floors and furniture are designed according to Giger's specifications in the style of his biomechanical forms with numerous bone-like elements.

Highlights

• Major works such as "The Spell" and the "Passages" series
• Film designs, including for "Alien" and "Dune"
• Giger's private art collection on the upper floor
• Museum HR Giger Bar with biomechanical décor
• Combination ticket with the upper castle of Gruyères

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung H. R. Giger – Paintings, sculptures and film designs from all of the artist's creative phases since the early 1960s, including designs for "Alien" and "Dune".
• Private Kunstsammlung von H. R. Giger – On the upper floor the museum shows works from Giger's own collection as a permanent presentation.

Founded

1998

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold at the museum ticket desk on the day of the visit; advance sales are neither necessary nor possible online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the museum shop is wheelchair accessible; the museum has no lift. Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

According to the museum, some works are not suitable for children; children under 16 must be accompanied by adults.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A12 (Geneva–Bern–Zurich), exit Bulle (no. 4); a bypass leads around Bulle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum HR Giger Bar next to the museum with coffee, beer, wine, cocktails and snacks; in summer daily 10 am to 8:30 pm, in winter Monday to Friday 11 am to 8:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday 10 am to 8:30 pm. Museum shop with art prints, books, posters, sculptures, clothing and jewellery, also online.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit