# Grand Chalet

The Grand Chalet of Rossinière (Grand Chalet de Rossinière) is one of the oldest chalets in Switzerland, dating to the 18th century. It is located in Rossinière and classed as a historic monument.
Claude Roy wrote of it:
   The Grand Chalet, a caravel washed up on a mountain, a Shinto temple... With its architecture in white wood and balconies of lace.

## Architecture

The Grand Chalet of Rossinière a colossal wooden dwelling, boasting a staggering 500 square meters spread across five floors and adorned with over 100 windows that bathe its interior in natural light. It's a marvel of Alpine architecture, akin to the Great Pyramid of Giza in its significance to pharaonic monuments.
The Grand Chalet of Rossinière is one of the largest wooden structures in Europe, spanning five floors with an interior space of 500 square meters. It features an impressive 113 windows, allowing abundant natural light.
Built in 1754 by Jean-David Henchoz, the chalet was initially designed as a regional cheese warehouse and trading center, reflecting the economic significance of dairy production in the area. The structure is made entirely of local Alpine wood, with elaborately carved balconies and a sloping roof characteristic of traditional Swiss architecture.

## History

In 1852 it was turned into a hotel, patronized by Englishmen, Americans, Russians and Australians, along with Victor Hugo. The painter Balthus bought it in 1977 and welcomed several artists there until his death in 2001.
By the late 19th century, the Grand Chalet became a sought-after retreat for writers, artists, and aristocrats. It operated as a luxury hotel until 1976, attracting an international clientele.
In 1977, the world-renowned painter Balthasar Klossowski de Rola (Balthus) acquired the chalet, transforming it into a private artistic retreat. He lived and worked there for nearly 25 years, welcoming artists, intellectuals, and close collaborators. His widow, Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, continued to maintain the chalet as a cultural landmark after his passing in 2001.

## The Balthus Foundation

The chalet's grand salon now houses the Balthus Foundation and its many shows, concerts and exhibitions, such as:
* Bijoux et aquarelles d'Harumi – 22 February 2002
* La Jeunesse de Balthus – 21 September to 16 November 2003
* Henri Cartier-Bresson et Martine Franck – 4 July to 3 October 2004
* Les Desseins de Balthus – 26 June to 30 October 2005
* La Magie du paysage – 2 July to 17 September 2006
* Le Mystère des Chats – 14 July to 16 September 2007
* Memorial Day – ceremony for 100 years of Balthus – 29 February 2008
Following Balthus's passing, the Balthus Foundation was established at the Grand Chalet to preserve his legacy. The foundation actively hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, attracting visitors and scholars worldwide.
Some notable exhibitions held at the Grand Chalet include:
* Bijoux et Aquarelles d'Harumi (2002)
* La Jeunesse de Balthus (2003)
* Henri Cartier-Bresson et Martine Franck (2004)
* Les Desseins de Balthus (2005)
* La Magie du Paysage (2006)
* Le Mystère des Chats (2007)
* Memorial Day (2008) – A special ceremony commemorating 100 years since Balthus's birth.