Some places just have to be experienced first hand to believe them! Almost two years ago, I wrote what would later become one of the most popular articles in this blog, called Gothic & Alternative Holidays: Eccentric Destinations, in which I listed several unusual adventure ideas for those of us who have a taste for the dark, macabre and surreal.
My favorite out of such inspiring destinations was the H.R. Giger Museum in Gruyères, Switzerland. Even though a medieval historical town famous for its cheese would not be the most intuitive setting for H.R. Giger’s somber biomechanical artworks, the largest collection of works from this extraordinary Swiss artist rests in Gruyères. The Château St. Germain, located at the heart of the old town, is the setting vast display of H.R. Giger’s paintings, creations for films, sculptures and even furniture of his design.
The exterior of the Château St. Germain, displaying some sculptures by H.R. Giger. Of course, I wore my Black Milk Bone Machine dress to match the aesthetics of the place!
I was very eager to visit it, so I made a firm resolution to do it this year and didn't stop until I found myself, ticked in hand, ready to fly to the Swiss Alps to enjoy a weekend full of Cheese, Chocolate and Aliens (you can read the whole adventure with travel tips here).
Birth Machine, one of the sculptures marking the entrance of the H.R. Giger Museum.
The museum stands out like a rare jewel amongst the medieval and rustic atmosphere of the old town, with its entrance decorated with several iconic works of H.R. Giger depicting his dark, biomechanical monsters and creatures.
Slightly sinister Giger furniture. I need this in my dinning room! Cannot imagine a better setting for a Hannibal-inspired dinner.
Did you know that Giger also designed the creatures for the film Species? I didn't!
Inside, the artistic feast begins. Greeted by some of Giger's sketches and works from the early seventies, we knew we were in for a treat. I must admit that I was surprised by the vast collection of paintings displayed there, for I did not know that Giger had been such a prolific artist during the seventies and eighties. Extraterrestrial monsters and bionic humanoids, mechanical and futuristic artefacts with a sexual and fetishistic edge and a hint towards the occult are recurrent themes in most of his art.
Besides the more conspicuous elements employed by Giger, I was also excited to discover inspiration from the Mayan culture and their iconography in some of his paintings. The intricate carvings decorating the floor, for example, reminded me of those found in King Pacal's tomb, as well as the iconic Pilot/Engineer/Space Jockey from the Alien and Prometheus films that shows a fascinating resemblance with the Mayan King's depiction.
The Pilot featured in Alien and Prometheus.
View of the engraved cover of the tomb of Mayan King Pacal.
It is captivating to see how Giger's ideas evolved over time, and how some of them took different directions from the original concept while being adapted for Hollywood films. The evolution of the Alien is quite interesting to see. One of the things that surprised me the most was how modern and current Giger's sense of aesthetics looks even in his earlier works. You can tell that films like The Matrix owe a lot of their inspiration to him.
The Mayan pyramid on the background of this painting caught my attention. This is a card from the Tarot designed by Giger.
One of my favorite aspects of the museum was that, as a bonus, it has an area dedicated to display part of the artist's private art collection. This offers a fascinating opportunity to get a glimpse of the kind of things that a wicked mind like his might enjoy or draw inspiration from. I found my curiosity satisfied by beholding an eclectic display of elements ranging from tibetan and himalayan art to naturalistic compositions, skeleton sculptures and rather loud paintings with surrealistic tinges.
Asian demons and supernatural creatures.
A collection of Tibetan ritual objects, related to death (note the alien figure in the background!).
"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law". Aleister Crowley making an appearance at H.R. Giger's private collection.
Finally, to culminate the visit (or to get in the mood before starting the tour through the museum), the Giger Bar awaits just across the museum. The incredibly intricate and elaborate decoration attracts many visitors, eager to soak in the atmosphere of its Alien spaceship-like interior.
The bar as seen from outside the Giger Museum.
Intricate design and attention to detail make this place a unique sight!
Even the floor is decorated ad hoc with the Alien-biomechanical theme.
And so is the ceiling! Detail of the peculiar construction of the Giger Bar.
Finally, if you are in Germany and are interested in seeing some of H.R. Giger's artwork without having to travel all the way to Gruyères —although you absolutely must if you have the chance—currently there is an exhibition of a selection of paintings at the Gallery SansvoiX in Leipzig.
If you need an extra incentive to make the trip to Leipzig, you can combine it with attending this year's Wave Gothic Treffen Festival —probably the biggest and best Gothic event in the world—since the exhibition will run until the 13th of June.
Ready to get your Alien fix?
Thanks for reading!
