A silver art sculpture in front of a blue sky with some clouds. ©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Art sculpture

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Multifaceted: art in Gstaad

Artistic excellence: yes. Unauthentic: no. Gstaad is true to itself and discretion is the high art here. The world-famous region in the Bernese Oberland is now home to an impressive and extremely lively art scene that brings together works by both local and international artists. First-class events, creative performances and surprising art interventions take place out in the fresh air, while various hotels offer collections and temporary exhibitions. Gstaad redefines what it means to see and be seen.

Art galleries – a who’s who of the art world

Anyone with an international reputation in the contemporary art scene knows Gstaad. The pedestrianised promenade is home to renowned galleries, often housed in magnificent chalets. A dazzling who’s who of the art scene presents itself to guests in the Saanen region, always discreetly and with the occasional spectacular display. Galleries and collections are present all year round, while others are presented seasonally – each with thematic accents and temporary exhibitions. Anyone would like to see the works and meet the curators in a more quiet setting can do so by appointment.

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Two men look at various paintings in a gallery in Gstaad.

Admiring various works in a gallery.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Art in hotels – a treat for guests

There’s no place better to enjoy the art of fine living than in a hotel in Gstaad. They’re works of art in themselves, both architecturally and in terms of their culinary offering, and their aim to provide guests with the ultimate holiday experience. Many of them also have their own permanent art exhibitions and regularly display major works. Various hotels also organise temporary exhibitions with first-class works – in their lounges, lobbies and restaurants, among other places. In addition, a number of them regularly organise art viewings and workshops with artists.


The Alpina Gstaad Hotel in summer featuring an outdoor pool, sun terrace and alpine-style architecture, surrounded by landscaped gardens and mountains.

Summer view of The Alpina Gstaad with outdoor pool and gardens

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 unbekannt / The Alpina Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad

The antique wooden wall above the main staircase in The Alpina Gstaad is a true masterpiece – one of many on the expansive premises. The hotel has its own permanent art exhibition showcasing renowned artists of the 21st century. Guests can get inspired by engaging visual art, architecture and stimulating cultural exchange against the backdrop of the spectacular Swiss Alps.

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The Gstaad Palace hotel in a summer setting, featuring landscaped gardens, terrace areas and views of green hills and mountains.

Summer view of the Gstaad Palace with gardens and mountain scenery.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Melanie Uhkoetter / Gstaad Palace, Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Gstaad Palace

The white façade of Gstaad’s iconic hotel, built in 1913, is a projection surface in itself. Contemporary artists regularly use the building as a canvas for their artistic statements – for example, as part of the art interventions of Elevation 1049 and in collaboration with stars from Hauser & Wirth. British artist Martin Creed’s glowing message to the world in 2020 is unforgettable: «Work No. 3485 EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT».

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©  (c) Miiro The Mansard - art

Miiro The Mansard Gstaad

Intense colors accompany the restaurant of the boutique hotel The Mansard in Gstaad. Exclusively during the current winter season, the four-star hotel is exhibiting works by Jonas Wyssen, alias JW3, curated by Studio Naegeli. The artist works between digital technology and analog reality: AI, algorithms, and photography meet haptic printing techniques—an art experience in which nature and technology merge.

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Strolling: the art of walking

Gstaad not only offers its guests renowned art institutions, but also provides a cultivated outdoor art experience that can be enjoyed by strolling and walking through the picturesque area.

Rosie

Probably the most photographed object is the calf ‘Rosie’, who can be seen drinking from the fountain near the Posthotel Rössli. The statue was sponsored by Hollywood star and Gstaad fan Liz Taylor, and was designed by Taylor’s daughter Liza.

Bronze cow sculpture standing on a stone fountain edge in the village center, with shop façades in the background.

Cow sculpture in the village centre of Gstaad.

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Sitting duck

A fellow resident of the Gstaad promenade, the Sitting Duck was donated by Gstaad’s honorary citizen Dame Julie Andrews, who caused a sensation as the lead actress in Mary Poppins. Her husband Blake Edwards, who died in 2010 and who filmed and premiered his classic box-office hit The Return of the Pink Panther in Gstaad, moulded the peculiar duck sculpture out of bronze.

Metal duck sculpture on a stone pedestal along the Gstaad promenade, surrounded by stone walls and a summer setting.

Duck sculpture on the promenade of Gstaad

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Village fountains

The fountain in the car-free zone in the centre of the village is another attraction, designed by local architect Fabian Reichenbach – a masterpiece and literal fountain of inspiration. Its water feature fascinates young and old alike and provides a welcome way to cool down in summer.

Stone fountain on the Gstaad Promenade in winter, surrounded by trees and buildings.

Fountain on the Gstaad Promenade in winter

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Sculptures

Various sculptures donated by regular guests line the promenade and blend seamlessly into the village landscape, providing a welcome visual accent. Donated by Ilse and Günter Leifheit, two graceful bronze figures make music at the entrance to St. Nicholas Chapel, as well as under the drawbridge on the left-hand side. Günter was a co-founder of the International Menuhin Music Academy and a long-time chalet guest in Gstaad.

Two bronze-colored sculptures on stone pedestals, one seated and one standing, set against a dense green hedge.

Art in the Gstaad Promenade

©  CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Yannick Romagnoli / Gstaad Saanenland Tourismus

Art events in Gstaad – superb scenes

Gstaad has also mastered the fine art of live art intervention. Sensational events regularly take place in the natural arena of the Saanen region and impress people from all over the world with their stunning scenes. Subtle nuances from literature also characterise the course of the year and provide intellectual nourishment for guests and locals alike.

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