Segantini Museum
Graubünden
The Segantini Museum, located in St. Moritz, Switzerland, is dedicated to the works of Giovanni Segantini, a renowned late 19th-century Italian painter known for his large pastoral Alpine landscapes and Symbolist style. Opened in 1908, the museum was designed by architect Nicolaus Hartmann as a walk-in monument inspired by Segantini's pavilion for the 1900 Paris World Exhibition. Its notable dome and use of local stone integrate the building into the Engadine mountain landscape. The museum exhibits around fifty works spanning all periods of Segantini's career, including famous paintings such as "Ave Maria at the Crossing," "Grisons Woman at the Fountain," "Early Mass," and "Midday in the Alps." The centerpiece is the "Alpine Triptych," displayed in the upper dome-lit hall, whose lighting changes with the time of day to enhance the colors. This triptych symbolizes life cycles through scenes of alpine nature and connects geographically to Segantini's death hut on the nearby Schafberg. The museum also features photographs of the artist and his family and a bust by Paolo Troubetzkoy. It serves as both an art gallery and a commemorative monument reflecting Segantini's profound connection to the Alpine region and his artistic legacy.
Plan your trip to Switzerland with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit the Segantini Museum during the summer or winter seasons to experience special exhibitions, such as rarely displayed still lifes by Giovanni Segantini. To avoid waiting, consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers discounts for certain groups; check the official website for details. The lighting in the dome gallery varies with daylight, so visiting at different times can offer unique viewing experiences.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's dome was inspired by Segantini's design for a pavilion at the 1900 Paris World Exhibition, symbolizing a walk-in monument to the artist.
- •The 'Alpine Triptych' in the dome hall changes appearance throughout the day due to natural lighting through skylights.
- •The museum is geographically aligned with Segantini's death hut on the Schafberg, emphasizing his connection to the Alpine landscape.
- •The art dealer Vittore Grubicy played a crucial role in supporting Segantini's career and in founding the museum.
- •A bust of Giovanni Segantini by sculptor Paolo Troubetzkoy is displayed in the museum.
History
The Segantini Museum was inaugurated on 28 September 1908, nine years after the artist's death, as a tribute to Giovanni Segantini's life and work.
It was constructed following plans by Nicolaus Hartmann to resemble the pavilion Segantini designed for the 1900 Paris World Exhibition, though scaled down and built with local materials.
The museum's founding was initiated by Segantini's friend and doctor, Dr.
Oskar Bernhard, and supported by a committee and local bank financing.
The initial collection consisted of works loaned by Segantini's art dealer Vittore Grubicy, with subsequent acquisitions made possible through funding from the Swiss government and the Gottfried Keller Foundation.
Despite financial challenges, including delays caused by World War I, the collection was secured by 1928, establishing the museum as a permanent home for Segantini's art.
Place Guide
Alpine Triptych1896-1899
Segantini's masterpiece displayed in the large dome hall, consisting of three panels representing the cycle of life in alpine settings: 'Becoming' (evening meadow near Soglio), 'Being' (view from Schafberg), and 'Passing' (snowy Maloja landscape before sunrise). The lighting via skylights changes the colors dynamically throughout the day.
Permanent Collection of Segantini Paintings1880s-1890s
About fifty works covering all phases of Segantini's artistic career, including notable paintings such as 'Ave Maria at the Crossing' (1886), 'Grisons Woman at the Fountain' (1887), 'Early Mass' (1885), and 'Midday in the Alps' (1891).
Photographs and Family Archive
Displays of photographs documenting Segantini's life, family, and artistic process, offering insights into the artist's personal background and working methods.
Bust of Giovanni Segantiniearly 20th century
A sculpture by Paolo Troubetzkoy representing the artist, highlighting his significance and commemorating his legacy.
Contact
Phone: 081 833 44 54