First Stone Laid For AUDEMARS PIGUET Museum

The first stone of the new “Maison des Fondateurs” whose architectural complexity can only be matched by great horological complications, was recently installed in Le Brassus, cradle of the Manufacture in the heart of the Vallée de Joux, cornerstone of the Audemars Piguet history.

Three years ago Audemars Piguet presented the winning project of the architectural competition organised for the construction of its new museum. Imagined by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, the new “Maison des Fondateurs” pairs the original museum established in the historical Audemars family house, with a futuristic spiral emerging from the fields, entirely supported by curved glass walls.

The ceremony, followed by a cocktail, was held in presence of Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Audemars Piguet Board of Directors, Olivier Audemars, Vice-President of the Board of Directors and François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer of Audemars Piguet. The main partners of the project, Danish architects BIG, German museum design consultancy Atelier Brückner and Swiss architects CCHE as well as the authorities of the Vallée de Joux and of the Canton of Vaud also attended.

During the ceremony, Museum Director Sébastian Vivas presented the unique project combining respect of the brand’s origins and openness to the world, transmission of traditions and freedom of imagination. Meanwhile, two watchmakers placed the 333 parts needed to assemble a Royal Oak in a waterproof case, before sealing it and burying it under the foundations of the future building.

The next step should take place before winter: the installation of the curved glass walls, each of them weighing more than two tons. The interior museography and the restoration of the historic building will be carried out during 2018.

Jasmine Audemars concluded the ceremony saying: “This project is far from simple, but it is important, not only for Audemars Piguet but for the entire Vallée de Joux.”