Gianadda, whose brother died in 1976, decided to build a museum in memory of his brother, instead of the flats. Half of it he devoted to housing a permanent display of the Gallo Roman artefacts that had been uncovered, the other half to house temporary exhibitions. In 1981, an automobile museum was inaugurated and in 1984, the first of a series of regular sculpture exhibitions in the grounds gave rise to what is now an established permanent collection which includes sculptures by Moore, Rodin, Renoir, Calder, Brancusi and Hepworth to name but a few.
The sculptures are beautifully spaced in tranquil grounds. The park is not vast and is a lovely add on to any of the highly esteemed temporary exhibitions which take place twice a year in the main museum space. If you are ever in the area (on your way to a ski holiday or alpine walking holiday?), this little town in the Rhone valley, the self-declared orchard of Switzerland, is well worth a visit….yes, for the art and history alone.
Fondation Pierre Gianadda, rue du Forum 59, CH1920 Martigny. Open Daily 10-5pm.Rue du Forum 59
CH 1920 Martigny
Right: Ancestor I by Barbara Hepworth
Below: Large Reclining Figure by Henry Moore
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