Gruyères Castle

Discovering Gruyères Castle is an exciting journey through eight centuries of art, history and legends, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Discover the rich historical collections and special exhibitions, and take part in the cultural events. An adventure in Gruyères promises a great day with friends or family. 

Eight hundred years of history

Constructed in the 13th century, the castle was the main residence of one of the most important noble families in western Switzerland in the Middle Ages: the Counts of Gruyère. At the end of the 15th century, modernization works gave the castle the elegant appearance of a stately home. Michel, the last count, went bankrupt in 1554 after issuing his own coins, and died in exile. From 1555 to 1848, the castle was occupied by bailiffs, then prefects – administrators from Fribourg – who embellished it with baroque decor. From 1849, the castle became the private property of the Bovy and Balland families from Geneva. Thanks to the artists' colony that gathered around the castle's owner Daniel Bovy, the castle became an important cultural hub. Inspired by the beauty of the surrounding nature, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, Barthélémy Menn and many other artists painted the romantic landscapes and historicist scenes that to this day adorn the walls of the former count's residence. In 1939, the canton of Fribourg acquired the castle and established the current museum. 

Temporary exhibitions

The tradition of the artists' colony begun by the Bovy family lives on in the exhibitions, where the public can discover contemporary art in Switzerland and abroad. The works of the invited artists can be viewed in two designated rooms and throughout the historical tour, offering up new perspectives.