The Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg presents the works of two major 20th-century artists in a former tram depot. Here you can set mechanical sculptures in motion and discover Niki de Saint Phalle’s colourful reliefs.
Fine and applied arts museums
Espace Jean Tinguely & Niki de Saint Phalle
Main highlights
- Two 20th-century artists : Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures and works by Saint Phalle
- The Retable of Abundance, a monumental sculpture you set in motion with your foot
- A former tram depot from 1900, in the Bourg district, near the cathedral
Overview
The Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle opened in 1998. The building, constructed in 1900 by architect Léon Hertling, housed the first Fribourg tram depot, before becoming the Bourg garage in 1948. In the Middle Ages, the site was home to the chapel and cemetery of the Cordeliers (Franciscan friars), whose monastery stands right next door.
The museum was born of Niki de Saint Phalle’s wish to give the canton works by Jean Tinguely, who was born in Fribourg in 1925. Following her donations, the building was converted between 1996 and 1998 by architect Michel Waeber. Affiliated with the Musée d’art et d’histoire de Fribourg, it is run by a foundation.
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What to see and do
In the centre of the hall stands the Retable of Western Abundance and Totalitarian Mercantilism, created by Tinguely in 1989-1990, shortly before his death in 1991. Red push buttons on the floor set its mechanisms in motion : salvaged objects come to life in a critique of consumer society.
Tinguely’s other kinetic sculptures combine motors and everyday objects. From Niki de Saint Phalle, you can see the series of 22 Remembering reliefs (1997-1998) in painted polyester, the Bench of Generations (1997-1998), which depicts the artist and her great-grandson, and the Blue Obelisk with Cat (1993).
The mezzanine hosts temporary exhibitions by Swiss and international artists in dialogue with the two bodies of work. Creative workshops are offered to schools, children and adults.
Practical information
Getting there : Bourg district, near the cathedral. Bus 1, 2 or 6 from the station, Tilleul stop. By car, A12 exit Fribourg Nord, parking at Place de la Grenette.
Visit duration : about one hour.
Accessibility : the museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Guided tours by reservation.
On site : shop with publications, cards and items related to the artists.
Visiting tips
Set Tinguely’s sculptures in motion using the push buttons on the floor : the artist wanted his works to come alive through the visitor’s action. Children love this playful aspect. Allow a little more time if a temporary exhibition is on in the mezzanine.
Nearby
- St. Nicholas Cathedral in Fribourg towers over the old town with its 74 m Gothic tower and stained-glass windows.
- The Loreto Chapel, built in the 17th century on a hill, offers a view over the old town.
- The Swiss Puppet Museum displays puppets from Europe, Asia and Africa.
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