An Alien Fan’s Pilgrimage To HR Giger Museum In Gruyères

When you hear the word Gruyères, some people might associate that with cheese or even chocolate, but for this long time Alien and Aliens fan, I think HR Giger Museum. And traveling from Zurich to Geneva means a stop in Gruyères for exactly that reason.

It’s quite ironic that something so fantastical, so nightmarish, and so surreal could be one of the biggest draws in a place that’s so beautiful.

Like my day trip to Bern, I wished I had more time in Gruyères. It’s just so lovely. I would’ve happily give up time in the city for a stay in the country, had I known. But that’s the thing with never having been to a place before – you just don’t know how you might feel about it until you get there.

Since this was just a pitstop on my way to Geneva, I didn’t have time to also visit the Tibet Museum or Château de Gruyères. I was happy with just the HR Giger Museum.

The museum is the permanent home to HR Giger’s impressive and extensive collection of pictures, sculptures, furniture, artwork he did for Dune, Species, and Poltergeist 2 and of course, Alien-themed props and decor. Did you know that HR Giger won an Academy Award for best visual effects in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking Alien film?

There’s so much to look at and study. There’s even a red-light room where adults only can feast their eyes on Giger’s more sexualized artwork – although they’re all somewhat sexual, non?

I spent the most time on the Alien related artwork, of course. Those movies made such an impression on me growing up and Aliens remains one of my favourite movies of all time. And yes, I did enjoy Prometheus and didn’t really care for Alien 3 or Alien Resurrection.

Just a heads up – HR Giger Museum doesn’t allow photography, which is a bummer but understandable. However, there are lots of things to shoot outside of the museum and at the HR Giger Bar next door, but only as a paying customer.

Sitting in the HR Giger Bar is like being on the Alien or Aliens set. The ceilings, walls, floors, fittings, tables and chairs were all modelled by Giger in the style of the movie’s biomechanical environment.

You can order Alien themed drinks such as: alien coffee with meringues + double cream, HR Giger shot (absinthe), face-hugger shot (no idea what that is!), or Giger coffee which is espresso with liquor and whipped cream.

I almost wish I was staying the night, as I’m sure the vibe would’ve been way different than going in the middle of the family-friendly day. It would feel more dark and dystopian in the dark of the night. I will most definitely come back because Sean is also a huge Alien and HR Giger fan.

Next year HR Giger Museum will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and HR Giger bar will be celebrating its 15th. A staff member told me that they’ll be doing something special to commemorate the double occasion. Sounds like a good reason to go back!