Pierre Gianadda Foundation in Martigny: art, cars, and sculpture garden

A cultural outing that speaks to children

Between the Rhône and the vineyards of Martigny (VS), the Pierre Gianadda Foundation brings together art, history, and the outdoors. You can explore at your own pace, in a calm environment, within bright spaces. Families will find plenty to awaken the curiosity of both young and old, without rushing.

What your children will discover

First, you pass through the high-quality temporary exhibitions (painting, photography, sculpture), then you go down to see the impressive collection of vintage cars. Children love to recognize the shapes, count the headlights, and imagine the journeys of the past. The Gallo-Roman museum tells the story of Martigny during the time of the Forum Claudii Vallensium, with everyday objects and models. Outside, the sculpture garden invites you to walk, observe, and feel the seasons. You can look at the artworks, the ponds, the birds, and learn to respect the pieces by keeping a small distance.

The whole experience is both playful and educational: it stimulates observation, vocabulary, historical curiosity, and creativity. The pace remains gentle, perfect for a quiet morning or a relaxed afternoon.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 3 years old to enjoy the garden and the cars; ideal from 5–6 years for the exhibitions and the Gallo-Roman museum. Teens also appreciate it.
• Duration: plan for 1.5 to 3 hours depending on interest and crowd levels.
• Atmosphere: calm and contemplative. It’s a cultural visit with sensory moments in the garden.
• Reservations and pricing: the self-guided visit does not require a reservation. Paid tickets, with discounts for children/students and family packages depending on current exhibitions. Check the website before your visit.
• Accessibility: the main areas are accessible by stroller and for people with reduced mobility. Elevators and ramps facilitate movement. In the garden, some paths are gravel.
• Public transport: from Martigny train station, you can walk (about 12–15 minutes) or take a local bus, with a stop near the Foundation.
• By car: parking on site and nearby; depending on the time, some spaces are paid.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes for the garden, a small water bottle, a light jacket (air-conditioned rooms), a hat, and sunscreen in nice weather. For toddlers, a baby carrier can be handy during busy times.
• Safety: safe and monitored spaces. However, stay close to children near the garden ponds and remind them of the rules in the rooms (do not touch the artworks, speak softly).
• Season: open all year round; the garden is particularly pleasant from spring to autumn. In winter, the exhibitions remain a good cultural refuge.

Parents' tips

• Arrive early in the morning on weekends to enjoy the calm in the rooms.
• Take a break in the garden between two spaces: 10 minutes outside and everyone leaves curious.
• Start with the vintage cars if your children are very visual; the "wow" effect works well.
• Bring a small notebook and a pencil: drawing a sculpture helps to look at it differently.
• Check the hours on the day of your visit: they vary depending on the exhibitions and the season.

Useful information

• Address: Rue du Forum 59, 1920 Martigny (Valais)
• Website: https://www.gianadda.ch
• Hours: open every day; generally 10 AM–6 PM (hours may vary depending on seasons/exhibitions). Check the website before your visit.
• Weather: enjoyable visit in all weather; the garden is particularly pleasant in dry weather.
• Car access: parking on site and nearby (limited spaces during major exhibitions).
• Public transport: CFF train station in Martigny, then about 12–15 minutes on foot or local bus to a stop near the Foundation.

Why we recommend it

• A unique offering that blends art, local history, and automotive heritage, accessible to all ages.
• A sculpture garden that allows movement and observation of nature through the seasons.
• Simple paths to follow, a peaceful atmosphere, and real moments of family exchange.

Want to go?

A visit to the Pierre Gianadda Foundation is a curious and inspiring interlude in Martigny, to be experienced at your own pace. For more outing ideas in French-speaking Switzerland, create your Kidora account or subscribe to our newsletter.