De Vert et d’Art is a cross-disciplinary artistic project combining art, architecture, music and plants. It was born of a collaboration between the Association du site de l’Abbatiale de Payerne, Gerber fleurs and florists Nadia Joye Dafflon and Beatrix Chopard. It’s an event that brings together the site’s artistic and architectural heritage with the ephemeral nature of plants. With an eye to eco-responsibility, the floral and horticultural arrangements will be made exclusively with plants from the region or from Switzerland. Four main areas will offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the site.
“Flowering our collections” – Abbey church
Paintings from the museum’s collections will be on display in the Abbey Church, providing an opportunity to make them visible again for a short period. For each painting, a florist or team of florists will create a floral arrangement inspired by the pictorial work.
“Mineral and plant” – castle courtyard
In the courtyard of the castle, plant compositions will highlight architectural features of the Abbey Church, its chapter house, the former Bernese castle and the school. This will be a collaboration between pupils from Payerne primary school and horticulturists. Some of the classes will create containers and decorations, which will be decorated with flowers and laid out in such a way as to highlight the architecture by the horticulturists.
Participatory mandala – Place du Marché
A giant participatory mandala will also be proposed in front of the entrance to the Abbey Church, as a symbol of coming together. The first plants, at its centre, will be planted by classes from the castle, then new residents, participants in the multicultural festival and visitors will also contribute to this ephemeral flower bed.
Local plant market and trade presentations – Place du Marché
Finally, in the Place du Marché, a market of local plants and stands presenting the horticultural and florist trades will round off the visit. Professionals will explain their training and techniques, and give demonstrations of cuttings, terrines, bouquets, etc.
Discovery activities
During the four days of the event, guided tours, workshops for children and adults, an ecumenical celebration and a concert will also be offered on the site. So many opportunities to discover the Abbey Church site in a different way and to share a moment of artistic conviviality.
Admission
adults: CHF 15, concessions: CHF CHF 13.-, children (aged 6 to 16): CHF 9.-, free admission for children under 6 and season ticket holders, all other concessions suspended.
The admission ticket entitles the holder to visit the site, including exhibitions, guided tours, demonstrations by horticulturists and florists, and the market. To plant a plant in the mandala, there is an additional charge of €5 in support of the event. Creative workshops are 15.00 per person to cover the cost of materials. For the workshops, you can also bring your own materials (old bed sheets or T-shirts to cut out) and take part free of charge.
