.jpg)
In 2026, museums and archives, publishing houses, and schools around the world are commemorating Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926). The Fondation Rilke, the only institution in the world dedicated exclusively to the poet, is not only commemorating the centenary of his death; taking him at his word, it is opening up his rich oeuvre to the future. The planned events, readings, and concerts will be accompanied by a new permanent exhibition at the Foundation Museum, which will open its doors on March 13, 2026, at 6 p.m.
The new permanent exhibition will answer key questions: Why is Rilke both prestigious and popular in many countries? How did he establish strong links between the Valais region and literary cosmopolitanism, between languages and cultures? What are the distinguishing features of a Rilke phrase?
Spaces
Rilke explores geographical and imaginary spaces in every dimension. His poetry establishes links between the exterior and the interior. It integrates the horizontal of landscape and the vertical of poetry, the heights and abysses of artistic work. The first room invites you to take part in the following activities:
→ find your bearings in literary and historical space; place the poet's work in a regional and international context
→ discover real, imaginary and artistic space
→ connect locations: Sierre; Muzot; Rarogne
→ landscape, roads, maps
→ hikes and walks in the footsteps of Rilke
TIMES
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time. It features historical objects that appeal to all the senses: ink and perfumes, musical compositions and Braille poems. The second room covers the following topics:
→ imagine the historical dimension; cross time, understand Rilke's international success, the transhistorical dimension
→ the poet's innovation and topicality; the surprising aspects of his work
→ the old empire, the First World War, the twenties
→ poetry and agriculture; viticulture; industry; tourism
→ re-enacting Rilke: the jubilees of 1956, 1975 and 1986; the 21st century
LANGUAGES
Rilke, born in Prague, traveled throughout Europe and North Africa. In Valais, he went beyond translation while creating an autonomous French-language work alongside his German-language work. The third room is devoted to innovations in Rilke's poetic language.
→ discover the written, acoustic and haptic dimension
→ the wealth of bilingualism and worldwide translations of Rilke's work
→ poems to touch (in Braille); to listen to (also online)
→ vocabulary, rhythm and rhyme games
→ educational and participatory program
The Originals Room
The museum's new structure develops sustainable and innovative solutions that meet the requirements of literary exhibitions in the 21st century. For the first time, the exhibition displays original manuscripts and letters under appropriate conditions. It links fascinating objects with digital discoveries. By setting up a room for temporary exhibitions, it integrates contemporary arts, research results, and cultural mediation.
→ tell the heritage story
→ look, read, listen
→ renewable program
→ networking places of remembrance and manuscripts; Sierre; Bern; Marbach; Harvard
TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS
Key data
- Languages: F / D / E
- Number of rooms: 5
- Bookshop: F / D / E
- Audioguide
- Digital access (QR codes)
- Open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m.
- Coffee area, terrace
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
📍 Location: Fondation Rilke, Sierre
📅 Opening: March 13, 2026, 6 p.m.
🎟️ Included in the admission ticket to the Foundation
🕒 Guided tours by reservation
Team
- Written by: Marcel Lepper
- Images: Sara In-Albon
- Graphic design: Christophe Métroz
- Audio: Anne Salamin, Tom von Arx
PARTNERS
- City of Sierre
- Canton of Valais
- Romande Lottery
