The Tibet Museum in Gruyères presents a collection of over 350 works of Himalayan Buddhist sacred art, from the 6th to the 18th century. The museum occupies the former Saint-Joseph chapel, in the upper part of the medieval town, next to the castle.
Themed museums
Main highlights
- Over 350 works of Himalayan Buddhist sacred art, dating from the 6th to the 18th century
- Former Saint-Joseph chapel and its chaplaincy, with preserved Christian frescoes
- Mobile app with an interactive room map and augmented reality markers on the floor
Overview
The Tibet Museum was founded in 2009 by the Fondation Alain Bordier. It occupies the chaplaincy and chapel of the former Saint-Germain castle, next to Gruyères Castle, in the upper part of the medieval town. The site combines Christian heritage with a collection of Buddhist art.
The collection brings together over 350 works of Himalayan art dating from the 6th to the 18th century. Assembled by collector Alain Bordier over more than 40 years, it comes mainly from Tibet, as well as from Nepal, Kashmir, the Swat Valley, northern India and Burma.
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What to see and do
The exhibition spans around 200 m² across the rooms of the former chapel. The metal sculptures depict deities of the Buddhist pantheon, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Their manufacturing techniques vary according to their regions of origin.
The paintings and thangkas illustrate the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, its mandalas and the cycles of reincarnation. The ritual objects include meditation instruments, ceremonial cups and liturgical accessories. In the chapel, a fresco shows Saint Francis of Assisi preaching to the birds, echoing the Tibetan master Milarepa.
A mobile app linked to the museum’s database lets you follow the exhibition display case by display case, with an interactive map of each room and information on every work. Augmented reality markers placed on the floor round out the visit.
Practical information
Access : in the upper part of the medieval town of Gruyères, a short walk from the castle. Paid parking below the village.
Visit duration : about one hour to see the whole exhibition.
On site : a mobile app guides your visit on your smartphone.
Visitor tips
Download the museum app before you come to access the augmented reality content. Take time to observe the details of the sculptures and the symbolism of the paintings.
A combined ticket is available with Gruyères Castle : start with the castle, then continue to the museum before strolling through the town’s cobbled lanes.
Nearby
- Gruyères Castle has overlooked the town since the 13th century with its towers and historic halls.
- La Maison du Gruyère, at the foot of the castle, offers live demonstrations of cheesemaking.
- The Chapelle Notre-Dame des Marches stands at the end of a lime tree avenue, near the Dent de Broc.
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