The Charmey Museum showcases the heritage of Gruyère and the Jogne Valley, along with contemporary work in wood, clay and paper. It is housed in the former Platzhaus of Jaun, a 17th-century building reconstructed in the village.
Regional and local museums
Main highlights
- International Paper Triennial, founded in 1993, and its collection of paper artworks
- La Valsainte hermitage, a Carthusian cell displayed in the museum, as the monastery itself is closed to visitors
- Platzhaus of Jaun, a 17th-century chalet rebuilt in Charmey using its original materials
Overview
The museum is housed in the former Platzhaus of Jaun, one of the few buildings spared when the village burned in 1711. Dismantled in 1982, this 17th-century structure was rebuilt in Charmey in 1991 using its original materials. It is also home to the Tourist Office.
The museum takes a contemporary look at the heritage of Gruyère and the Jogne Valley, focusing on wood, clay and paper. Its international reputation stems from the Viviane Fontaine International Paper Triennial, founded in 1993 by Viviane Fontaine, Patrick Rudaz and Monique Durussel, which has welcomed more than 460 artists from 36 countries.
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What to see and do
The permanent exhibition brings together paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, wood carvings and paper creations. Historic objects and documents evoke life in the valley. The Fonds de la Chesnais and the Fonds Joseph et Raymond Buchs contribute photographic and pictorial collections on the region.
One area features an authentic hermitage cell from the Charterhouse of La Valsainte in Cerniat, the only active Carthusian community in Switzerland. As the monastery is closed to visitors, this cell offers a glimpse into the way of life of Carthusian monks.
A series of temporary exhibitions highlights contemporary regional and international work in wood, clay and paper. In Triennial years, works by paper artists from around the world fill every room.
Practical information
Access : in the centre of Charmey village, next to the Vounetz gondola station.
Visit duration : about one hour for the permanent exhibition and the current temporary exhibition.
Visitors : guided tours for groups available on request, preferably outside opening hours.
On site : parking nearby and the Tourist Office in the same building.
Visitor tips
Take time to admire the timber framing and details of the chalet, which is part of the experience. As the Triennial takes place every three years, check the programme to see whether it coincides with your visit. The Vounetz gondolas right next door give access to walks around Charmey.
Nearby attractions
- The Charterhouse of La Valsainte is still home to Carthusian monks, tucked away at the end of a valley in Gruyère.
- The Bains de la Gruyère offer 5,000 m² of wellness facilities fed by natural mineral water.
- The Musée gruérien in Bulle presents the region’s history and traditions, with models and exhibits on life in times past.
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