Open every day From November to March: 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. From April to October: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.	!!! Attention: this exhibition is over. Christmas at the Castle - Peruvian cribs from the Hartl Collection From the 21st of November 2009 until the 10th of January 2010 Open every day from 10 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. including Christmas and New Year's days The passion for Nativity Scenes is at the heart of the impressive collection gathered over the generations by the Hartl family from Munich. For the end of year festivities, the castle of Gruyères reveals one of its most sumptuous sides: cribs from Peru, of which over 150 can be admired in a spectacular setting created by Alfred Hartl in collaboration with Monika and Josef Amrein. Enchanting to the eye, surprising by its expressive force, the presentation pinpoints the artistic, ethnographic and spiritual facets that distinguish the art of Peruvian Nativity Scenes. A striking multitude of figurines from the south American culture and folklore accompany the Saint Family and the traditional characters and, in an explosion of colours and styles, tell fascinating stories. Under the sign of inspiration and vivacity of appearance, we discover Nativity Scenes made by famous contemporary creators: Mamani, Tupac, Ochante, Pizarro, Feriberto, Vidal, Liz. To be mentioned, recognisable between all, are the long necked figures by Mendivil and the dolls by Maximina Palomino de Sierra, so captivating by their phy siognomy and the richness of their costumes. Not to be missed is the Inti Raymi (celebration of the sun), a fare trade label association. It brings together over a 1000 families of artists and craftsmen and allows us to see the impressive variety of shapes and materials used in the creation of the typical Christmas cribs: retablos and paintings of incandescent colours, pumpkins finely engraved, wood carvings, Nativity Scenes weaved or knitted. Finally we find the ethnic works created by the indigenous groups. Very original is the straw Adoration of the Magi made by the inhabitants of the floating islands of the lake Titicaca (3’810m alt., surface 8’340km2). The Indians Chulucanas perpetuate their ancestral art of ceramics by creating funny potbellied protagonists, the pottery works by the Shipibo, anthropomorphic and pain ted with labyrinth-like signs, harmonise the Indian culture in search of Christian spirituality. An afternoon of storytelling (French speaking) Sundays the 6th, 13th and 20th of December at 3pm. Duration: 1 hour.