Christmas at the Castle - Neapolitan Cribs
From the 13th of November 2010 until the 9th of January 2011
Open every day 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. including Christmas and New Year's days

The Neapolitan cribs display their huge baroque theatre in the Castle of Gruyères. A sumptuous, typically Mediterranean microcosm, the collection comes to life through illuminating landscapes, flamboyant architecture, and surprising games of perspective. Biblical scenes are juxtaposed with everyday subjects, and the figures realism - the physiognomy of emotions, a gestural eloquence, the costumes' finish - reinforces the expressions. Particularly fascinating, the angels captivate by their beauty and aesthetic vein. They are the suave mediators between the celestial and the secular, between spiritual softness irradiated by the Saint Family and the staged popular exuberance. The whole work of the presentation is inspired by the famous presepe napoletano which celebrated its golden age in the 18th century.

Kymè, under the artistic aegis of Salvatore Piscopo, is the author of the dazzling scenography. This Swiss-based association aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Mediterranean basin. Kymè participated in the "Salon Creativa 2009" in Lausanne and organised the exhibition "Anges et démons" at Montreux's Christmas markets (2007). Putting an emphasis on the arts and traditions of Campania, the organisation collaborates with artists and collectors of the region. The innumerable characters of the exhibited cribs thus come from talented hands of the craftsmen working in Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples.

Storytelling afternoon with Dominique Pasquier
Sundays the 5th, 12th and 19th of December at 3 p.m.
Duration: 1 hour (in french)

Website (in french)
www.kyme.ch