 While
planning the construction of premises for letting in the spring of 1976,
engineer Léonard Gianadda discovered the remains of a Gallo-Roman
temple, the oldest of its type in Switzerland. A short while after, in
July 1976, his younger brother died tragically. Léonard Gianadda
was very attached to Pierre and decided to create a foundation in his
honour. He built a cultural centre around the old temple, which is named
after his brother. The Pierre Gianadda Foundation was inaugurated in 1978,
more than twenty years ago.
Thanks to its prestigious exhibitions, the foundation has become a
meeting place not to be missed by art-lovers and in this great vessel
of stone, archaeology, vintage motor cars and music can be found together
in complete harmony. Over these twenty years, approximately 80 exhibitions
have taken place, many of which have left an indelible memory.
In a new area next to the museum, called The Belvédère,
Louis and Evelyn Franck have established their collection, some ten
masterpieces including: Picasso, Van Dongen, Toulouse Lautrec, Cézanne,
Van Gogh and James Ensor. This collection, which marks an important
stage in the development of the Foundation's history, represents a very
high quality feature for the whole town and the Canton.
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