Fondation Jan Michalski pour l'écriture et la littérature

The Jan Michalski Foundation for Writing and Literature in Montricher, Switzerland, is a place entirely dedicated to writing and literature, housing a multilingual library, an exhibition hall, an auditorium and a writers' residence. Its library offers a broad panorama of modern and contemporary literature with nearly 80,000 works in their original language and in French translation, spread over five levels. The foundation also organises exhibitions and cultural events and awards an annual international literature prize. The site, set in nature at the foot of the Jura, also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The Foundation welcomes young audiences with a dedicated children's corner in the library featuring tales and artist books, and offers discovery trails and creative workshops linked to certain exhibitions, with or without parents. Children can enjoy a sensory approach to books and reading.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90 min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: Performing arts and literature
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Play area
    • Entrance fee: 8 CHF
    • Free entrance: Yes (partly)
    • Price range: $

Opening hours

The library and café are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm; the exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 2 pm to 6 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. The Foundation is closed on Mondays.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
09:00-18:00
Wednesday
09:00-18:00
Thursday
09:00-18:00
Friday
09:00-18:00
Saturday
09:00-18:00
Sunday
09:00-18:00

Admission fees

8 CHF
Adult admission
5 CHF
Reduced rate for retirees, unemployed and AI recipients
5 CHF
Group rate from 10 people over 25 years old
0 CHF
Free for under 25s, residents of Montricher, library members, every first Sunday of the month and on presentation of a ticket from the Collection de l'Art Brut exhibition

Contact

Webpage
fondation-janmichalski.com
Email
info@fondation-janmichalski.ch
Address
En Bois Désert 10, 1147 Montricher

Access

Nearby stops

  • Montricher,Fondation Michalski50 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
56m
Genève
1h 14m
Martigny
1h 59m
Neuchâtel
2h 25m
Bern
2h 30m

FAQ

  • Is the library free to access?
    Yes, access to the library is free and open to everyone. However, borrowing documents requires registration with a reader's card, which costs CHF 40 for the full rate.
  • Can I borrow books from the library?
    Yes, with a reader's card you can borrow up to three books for three weeks, renewable once. Only works on the ground floor and first three floors are available for loan; periodicals and the Varia collection on the 4th floor cannot be borrowed.
  • Are there activities for children at the Foundation?
    Yes, the Foundation welcomes young audiences. There is a children's corner in the library with tales and artist books, and children can take part in discovery trails and creative workshops linked to certain exhibitions, with or without their parents.
  • Is the Foundation accessible to people with reduced mobility?
    Yes, the public spaces of the Foundation are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The library and the reception/café/exhibition building are accessible at ground level, with lifts serving the upper floors, and adapted toilets are available. Wheelchairs and folding seats can be borrowed at reception on request.
  • Can I visit the Foundation as part of a group?
    Yes, guided tours for private groups of up to 25 people are offered in French, English or German, covering the history and architecture of the Foundation or the current exhibition. Group visits without a guide are also possible, with an exhibition entry fee of CHF 5 per person.
  • Is there a café and shop at the Foundation?
    Yes, the Café La Canopée offers homemade light meals, snacks and drinks, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. A bookshop-boutique sells exhibition catalogues, postcards and books by resident writers.

Included in