Hans Rudi Giger is more than an artist or a designer - he is a true visionary. It was him who worked, in collaboration with Salvador Dali, on the designs for the never-produced film “Dune” by Alexandro Jodorowsky. For his designs for Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, Giger was awarded an Oscar for the Best Achievement in Visual Effects. You don’t have to be a sci-fi fan to know “Alien”. Its imagery is iconic and was adopted by many contemporary filmmakers, artists and designers. Giger’s art is often misinterpreted and referred to as bizarre and shocking. On the other hand, by merging the technological and organic, he created something truly appealing and visceral.
Giger received training in industrial design and architecture, and produced hundreds and hundreds of artworks including silk-screen prints, music album covers, design pieces and furniture. He created a completely new universe, the world that has never existed before except in our imagination. He has more admirers than one could imagine: Giger’s style inspired hundreds of artists, architects, writers, musicians and designers. His artistic style got the name “biomechanical”.
Giger’s museum in a small town Gruyéres, Switzerland, opened back in 1998 and occupies a masterpiece of medieval architecture - Château Saint Germain. The museum houses the largest collection of his works including paintings, furniture, design pieces and costumes. Right across the museum you will find a bar and, trust us – you won’t miss it. In fact, there are two Giger bars: one in Gruyéres, and one in Chur, Switzerland. Giger meant to have the bars open all around the world, and stick to the original design to make them consistent. In fact, one was supposed to open in Tokyo back in the 1980s, and there have been rumous about another one opening soon in the US.
Giger Bar is a masterpiece, a true work of art and an unforgettable experience. It was opened back in 2003 and has become more popular ever since. Unforgettable like everything else Giger created throughout his life. Behind every drawing and design, a provocative and ingenious personality of a man who had a courage to share his fears, insecurities, pain, love and affection with the world.
Giger was pretty consistent and stayed loyal to the biomechanical style when designing this sci-fi bar. The furniture in the bar is inspired by Giger’s early designs for films. The interior design is disturbing and a bit creepy. Chances are you are familiar with the aesthetics of the “Alien” and you will definitely recognize some of patterns and layouts. Everything in its design – the ceiling, the floors, the entrance – speaks to his signature style. In fact, we encourage you to pay a special attention to the fiberglass ceiling and floors.
One of the most impressive things about the bar is the way its design is fused with the medieval architecture of the Château St. Germain. Walking up the hill following narrow street, you suddenly find yourself in a sci-fi movie, surrounded my mythical creatures from outer worlds.
Giger’s astonishing career and prolific contribution to the arts and cinema can not be underestimated. He passed away in 2015 but his legacy is alive.
