Vernissage (1991)

Vernissage

Built on the ashes of the former family home, the Vernissage is a new kind of cultural centre which can in turn be an art gallery, a cinema/theatre, a bar or an auditorium.

Heinz Julen made everything himself and yet again made innovations; the open space is never closed off, the levels are interconnecting. Spread over 3 floors, going down into the Vernissage is like entering the world of art.

After the cloakroom, located at street level, a spiral staircase takes you down to the bar overlooking both the auditorium and the art gallery which are situated in the basement. A foot-bridge takes you directly above the exhibition area.

All installations (movable screen and stage, sliding chandeliers etc.) can be moved away. Thus, out of the cinema a concert space can be created. Many antique pieces of furniture and home decorations were salvaged from abandoned houses in the Upper Valais and got recycled.

The bar is set around a fireplace made by Heinz Julen and invites the guest to enjoy a drink in a warm, quiet atmosphere where he or she can quickly forget that they are ”customers”. It has been so successful that a second Vernissage was opened in Saas Fee in December 2003.

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