Museum of Art and History

The Museum of Art and History occupies two main buildings connected by an underground passageway in the city. Its collections comprise around 50,000 objects ranging from sculptures and paintings to historical artifacts spanning multiple periods.

The institution was founded in 1774 by Tobie Gerfer and achieved official museum status in 1823. It is housed in a 16th-century Renaissance palazzo that has sheltered its collections for generations.

The collection features regional artworks spanning from medieval times to today, with sections dedicated to glasswork traditions and the sculptures of artist Adele d'Affry. Visitors can spend time exploring how these locally rooted artists shaped the cultural identity of the region.

The space is organized across two buildings that are straightforward to navigate, allowing you to move smoothly between sections. Plan to spend several hours if you want to explore the different departments and galleries thoroughly.

The museum garden contains monumental sculptures by noted Swiss artists Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. This creates an open-air space where art blends naturally with the surroundings and public life.

Location: Fribourg

Official opening: 1774

Part of: list of cultural properties in Fribourg

Address: Rue de Morat 12, 1700 Fribourg

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00-18:00; Thursday 11:00-20:00

Phone: +41263055140

Email: mahf@fr.ch

Website: http://fr.ch/mahf/fr/pub

GPS coordinates: 46.80780,7.15953

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:28