Galerie YD

In the heart of Neuchâtel's ancient town, nestled at the base of the castle, lies a place steeped in history and enchantment. Dating back to 1493, this location once served as a cellar where exquisite cheeses aged away from prying eyes. The expansive wine racks predate the establishment of the Palace Cellars. Through the remarkable efforts of two talented artists, Ysabelle Fatter and Denis Juvet, alongside their supportive circle of friends, the town's cultural and buildings departments, and Expo 02, a dream was realized. They transformed this vaulted cellar with exceptional acoustics into the Galerie YD, a new multicultural space that retained its natural, rustic charm. The inaugural exhibition on June 27, 2002, celebrated the collaborative works of Ysabelle, Denis, and Naoum, marking the birth of Galerie YD.

Discover the rich history behind Galerie YD, formerly part of the district known as les GRANGES due to its characteristic buildings. A cellar door at 6 Rue Fleury bears the oldest preserved date in Arabic numerals in the city, harking back to 1493. As Francis I was born, Christopher Columbus set sail, and Leonardo da Vinci painted the Last Supper in 1494, the cellar stood witness to history. Following the fire of 1714, the cellar acquired a striking ochre hue.

Inaugurated in 2002, Galerie YD has since hosted a myriad of themes and events, including exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Literary evenings, poetry readings, storytelling sessions, and music performances ranging from French chansons to jazz and classical compositions have graced its halls. Engaging debates, lectures, and even wine tastings have further enriched the cultural tapestry woven by Galerie YD.