O Christmas Tree

For more than 30 years, Alfred Dünnenberger has been collecting the precious evidence of a centuries-old tradition. This impressive collection of Christmas decorations, advent calendars and paper nativity scenes, which he has assembled himself, is on show this winter at Gruyères Castle.

Through several hundred historical ornaments, the exhibition looks at the development of the Christmas tree between 1850 and 1950, and how it came to be the main decoration in our homes. Blown glass baubles, pearl garlands and carved tree tips reflect not only the progress of techniques, but also the evolution of tastes and the marks left by each era.

Exhibition curator
Marie Rochel