The Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg (Freiburg) in Switzerland is an art museum with working kinetic sculpture models designed by the local-born artist Jean Tinguely and some colorful works in the gallery by his equally famous wife, Niki de Saint Phalle.
The Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle is a gallery in a former tram depot in the heart of Fribourg (Freiburg) with models and works by the two famous artists. The museum has around 10 sculptural machines by Jean Tinguely. A further major highlight is the gallery with colorful works by his second wife, Niki de Saint Phalle. In addition to the main hall, frequently changing temporary exhibitions are held in two smaller rooms.
Works by Jean Tinguely in Fribourg (Freiburg), Switzerland
Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was born in Fribourg (Freiburg) at the dividing line between French and German-speaking Switzerland. Although he spent most of his life elsewhere, Fribourg does have several Tinguely designs on display. His best artworks in Switzerland are at the large Museum Tinguely in Basel, where he spent his youth.
The Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg has around ten large working models of kinetic art. He famously used metal and other scrap yard junk to build moving models. Visitors can step on the large red knobs to set the creaking and noisy metamechanic displays in motion.
The most important and by far the largest work in the collection is Tinguely’s Retable de l’abondance occidentale et du Mercantilisme totalitaire (Altar of Western abundance and totalitarian consumerism). He designed this huge work for a retrospective in Moscow in 1990 to show both the wealth of the Western world and also its enslavement to consumerism.
The Jo Siffert Fountain (or Fountaine de Jean Tinguely) near the station in Fribourg was designed by Tinguely. The fountain honors local Formula 1 racing driver Jo Siffert, who died in a crash in 1971.
Works by Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg (Freiburg), Switzerland
Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002), who married Jean Tinguely in 1971, left most of the pieces on display in the museum to Fribourg.
Her main contribution to the museum is 22 reliefs from her Remembering collection. She created these colorfully painted polyester works in the late 1990s – they hang to great effect against a black wall. Several further pieces in her typically colorful style are placed elsewhere in the gallery.
Of particular note is an artistic collaboration between the two artists. It features a metal base by Tinguely with a golden serpent-swan designed by Niki de Saint Phalle.
Opening Hours and Tickets for the Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg
Art lovers in Fribourg seemingly wake up late, as most museums here only open late morning. The Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closing at 8 pm on Thursday).
Admission to the Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg is around CHF10 (cheaper when no temporary exhibitions are held). Children under 16 may enter for free. The Swiss Museum Pass is valid.
The Espace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle in Fribourg is at 2, rue de Morat / Murtengasse 2, near the cathedral and the Fribourg art and history museum.
It is a pleasant 10-minute walk from the train station, mostly along pedestrian-only streets to the museum. Alternatively, use bus 1, 2, or 6 to stop Tilleul.