The museum is named after Barry I, the most famous St. Bernard dog, who reportedly saved over 40 lives in the early 19th century.
The St. Bernard dogs are direct descendants of the mastiff-type dogs kept by monks at the Great St. Bernard Pass since the 17th century.
The Barry Foundation took over the breeding program from the Great St. Bernard Hospice in 2005.
The museum building is a repurposed former military arsenal structure.
The kennel at the museum is home to a permanent pack, with the dogs moving to the Great St. Bernard Pass during the summer months.
The museum holds an extensive collection of philately and numismatics related to the St. Bernard breed.
Barryland is a specialized museum and foundation located in Martigny, Switzerland, dedicated to the history and breeding of the St. Bernard dog. The facility houses a permanent kennel where visitors can observe the legendary Alpine rescue dogs, which are part of a centuries-old tradition originating from the Great St. Bernard Hospice. The museum displays historical artifacts, art, and documents tracing the dog's role in mountain rescue operations. It features interactive exhibits on the geology and history of the Great St. Bernard Pass. The museum serves as the headquarters for the Barry Foundation, which manages the kennel's breeding program. Visitors can learn about the specific traits and training requirements of the St. Bernard breed.
The glass-partitioned viewing area inside the kennel building provides the clearest view of the dogs.
Check the museum's schedule before visiting to see if the dogs are currently in the kennel or have been moved to their summer residence at the mountain pass.
Allow extra time if visiting with children, as the facility includes a specialized outdoor play area.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality items supporting the foundation's conservation efforts.
Do not assume the dogs are always available for petting, as they require scheduled rest periods.
Open daily year-round, except for a brief closure during the Christmas period.
Maintain a quiet volume near the kennels to avoid stressing the animals; do not feed the dogs or attempt to enter enclosures without staff supervision.
