The lords of Grandson build the first residential tower, a large rectangular structure surrounded by moats, with kitchens and a bailey. This first fortress is destroyed by fire in the early 11th century.
1050-1150
Construction of the second tower
A second tower is built to the east, with one side still visible in the northern curtain wall. To the west, a stone curtain wall, probably replacing a wooden palisade, encloses the original building.
1235
Expansion of the fortress
The original residence is extended westwards, forming what is still known today as the ‘small castle’ or ‘old castle’. The western curtain wall is remodelled, and the north-west tower is built against it.
1275-1286
Major expansion and fortification under Otto I of Grandson
Otto I of Grandson undertakes major building works. He adds a large quadrangular structure with four round towers to the existing fortress, giving the castle the distinctive outline it retains today. The outer defensive walls are substantially strengthened, requiring extensive earthworks and masonry.
1389-1425
Confiscation of the castle and transfer to the Chalon-Arlay family
The House of Savoy confiscates the castle from the Grandson family and subsequently transfers it to the powerful Chalon-Arlay family from Franche-Comté.
1476
Siege of the castle
During the Burgundian Wars, the army of Charles the Bold lays siege to the castle, which is set on fire. Shortly afterwards, the famous Battle of Grandson marks Charles’s first defeat at the hands of the Swiss Confederates and their allies.
1484-1536
Joint administration and changes to the castle
Bern and Fribourg take control of the lordship of Grandson and its castle. They establish a joint bailiwick, taking turns to appoint a representative, or bailiff, to administer the castle for approximately five years at a time. The ‘old castle’ to the west is demolished in 1536, apart from one small building that is preserved.
1798-1816
State ownership and public functions
Following the Vaud Revolution, the castle becomes state property, belonging first to the Helvetic Republic, then to the canton of Vaud and finally to the municipality of Grandson. The castle houses the district prison, a hospital and a tobacco factory.
1835
Establishment of the first museum
François Perret, a citizen of Grandson who has made his fortune in New Orleans, purchases the castle, which becomes private property. He soon transfers ownership to his brother Henri, who undertakes extensive renovation work and opens the first museum devoted to the history of Grandson and early archaeological discoveries.
1875
Restoration and modernisation of the castle
Gustave de Blonay purchases the castle and, together with his son Godefroy, entrusts its restoration to the architects Gustav Kelterborn and Otto Schmid. They restore the building as a historic monument, modernise it and create new spaces in a medieval revival style.
1956
Creation of a collection of cars and historic weapons
Georges Filipinetti, a Geneva-based entrepreneur, San Marino’s ambassador to the United Nations and owner of a motor racing team, gives the castle a distinctive new purpose. He displays his collection of cars and historic weapons, turns a cellar into a torture chamber and sets up a chapel for his daughter’s wedding.
1983
Reopening to the public
Bruno Stefanini, a Zurich-based property developer and collector, acquires the castle through his foundation, the Stiftung für Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte (SKKG), with financial support from the Swiss Confederation, the canton and the municipality. On 1 August, the castle reopens to the public as a museum.
2011-2026
Major restoration and a new museum
An extensive restoration programme transforms the castle and gives rise to a completely redesigned museum.
