Gruyères is a medieval town in Canton Fribourg in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Overlooked by white-capped mountains, it is dominated by its 13th century castle, the Château de Gruyères. It is often associated with the cheese which derives its name from the town, but Gruyères has two other features right in the middle of the old town which not so many people know about.
The HR Giger museum is in the Chateau St Germain, which the artist himself bought to house his art. Now it is a museum, with his wife the director. It is a thoroughly immersive experience into the world of the artist famous for creating the set for Ridley Scott’s movie Alien. The floor is intricately carved and there is room after room of Giger’s famous biomechanical paintings and sculptures, including the Alien itself.
Across the road from the museum is the Giger Bar, also created by the artist. It’s ceiling and world are adorned with alien bones. Sit in a Harkonnen chair and you will feel like you are drinking inside the body of an alien.
Next door to the HR Giger Museum is the Tibet Museum, and it could not be more different. It is an extensive colleciton of Buddhist art, collected by Alain Bordier over three decades, housed in contemplative, dimly lit rooms.
At the top of the hill is the castle. It was bought by the Bovy brothers of Geneva in the 19th century who had artist friends richly decorate its walls. It is beautifully preserved and is open to the public as a museum.
Here are a few photos. We also made a video on YouTube which shows more of the town, the statues outside the HR Giger museum (photos are not allowed inside), as well as the interior of the Giger Bar, Tibet Museum and castle.
