A major cultural project is under consideration in Rougemont: an underground philharmonic concert hall and museum linked to the train station via a tunnel system. Spanning 26,000 m², the development aims to provide a world-class venue with seamless public transport access. The Canton of Vaud is currently reviewing the project. Additional plans include a five-star hotel, housing for 200 employees, and supporting facilities. 

A cultural and architectural vision 
The concert hall will accommodate 1,500 visitors, while the museum will exhibit an extensive private collection of Impressionist masterpieces. Both structures will be primarily underground, with only a 2,000 m² access building designed to blend into the alpine landscape. The museum will operate year-round, showcasing works currently on global museum rotations. 

A key feature is the tunnel linking the venue to the train station, ensuring easy, all-weather access. “This integration with public transport aligns with sustainability goals,” says project manager Ermes Elsener. 

Acoustic and Environmental Excellence 
Sustainability is central to the design. “We will use locally sourced materials to achieve a zero-carbon footprint,” Elsener explains. The concert hall will be crafted as a wooden resonance chamber, akin to fine musical instruments made from Rougemont’s forests. 

Acoustics are a priority, with renowned designer Yasuhisa Toyota, who is responsible for projects such as Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie and the Philharmonie de Paris, overseeing the sound design. 

Boosting regional tourism 
The project includes a five-star hotel with 40 suites, aiming to strengthen the region’s tourism industry. With approximately 200 jobs expected, Rougemont is setting aside land for employee housing. Additional amenities such as a fitness center and a pub are also under consideration. 

Private investment and planning process 
The project is entirely privately funded. “The investor is undertaking this out of a deep appreciation for the region,” says Elsener. It follows the model of cultural institutions like the Fondation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny, ensuring long-term sustainability rather than commercial real estate gains. 

The Canton of Vaud is reviewing necessary zoning adjustments, and a commission is assessing their impact. Given the site’s proximity to heritage landmarks such as the Rougemont Church and Château, construction must adhere to strict preservation guidelines. 

Regional considerations 
The Rougemont initiative emerges amid ongoing discussions about a separate concert hall project in Gstaad, already in advanced planning. Toni von Grünigen, President of the Gstaad Concert Hall Foundation, acknowledges the new development: “We are aware of the Rougemont project. It is ambitious and interesting.” However, von Grünigen emphasises Gstaad’s progress: “Our project has strong financial and planning foundations. We are now securing final funding and refining architectural plans.” 

Aldo Kropf, Chairman of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival & Academy AG, notes: “The Gstaad hall has been designed with the festival’s needs in mind. We are still assessing whether the Rougemont project aligns with our long-term vision.” 

Gstaad Tourism Director Flurin Riedi highlights the benefits of the Gstaad initiative: “A concert hall in Gstaad would be a landmark, hosting events year-round and strengthening off-season tourism.” 

Looking ahead 
Rougemont’s Mayor, Fréderic Blum, welcomes the project: “This is an exciting opportunity for our community, bringing cultural offerings and jobs—especially valuable in a village with just 800 permanent residents.”

Based on AvS | Sonja Wolf