Beyond the Fair: How NOMAD St. Moritz Elevates Switzerland’s Cultural Landscape

Nestled in the snow-draped peaks of the Engadin Valley, NOMAD St. Moritz transcends the conventional boundaries of an art fair. Now in its fifteenth edition, this exclusive traveling showcase transforms extraordinary locations into immersive settings where contemporary creativity meets storied heritage. Unlike commercial fairs, NOMAD is an evolving, intimate encounter—co-founded by Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte and Giorgio Pace—where collectors, designers, and curators navigate a space that is as much a part of the exhibition as the works themselves.

This year, the historic Klinik Gut serves as NOMAD’s setting—an unexpected yet deeply resonant choice. Once an orthopedic clinic, its labyrinthine corridors and former patient rooms have been transformed into an evocative stage for art, design, and high jewelry. What was once a functional space, defined by bare concrete walls and clinical precision, now unfolds as an intimate, atmospheric exhibition. The shift is striking: textured wood, layered fabrics, and sculptural lighting soften its austere past while preserving the site’s distinct architectural presence. 

31 Leading Galleries and 14 Special Projects Unite in an Immersive Atmosphere

With 31 leading galleries and 14 special projects, this edition unfolds as a sophisticated cabinet of curiosities, where diverse creative disciplines converge in an ever-evolving exchange. From established institutions like Robilant+Voena, Brun Fine Art, and Nilufar to emerging voices such as theStable, Sofia Zevi, and Maisonjaune Studio, the interplay between space and curation is masterfully orchestrated. Each gallery shapes its environment to reflect its authentic vision, fostering connections between paintings, sculpture, rare objects, avant-garde design, and historic Alpine influences.

Having arrived in St. Moritz on February 19, I witnessed this transformation firsthand. The Welcome Hall, envisioned by FNA Concept’s Francesca Neri Antonello, set the tone—a space of both enigmatic allure and warm embrace. Ethereal fabric partitions and sculptural Murano glass lamps by Christian Pellizzari created a sensorial experience that blurred the line between art and architecture. Elsewhere, Klinik Gut’s former utilitarian rooms, had been reimagined as intimate sanctuaries for artistic expression. Even the dining experience reflected NOMAD’s vision—A-Ma-Re Capri, a pop-up restaurant designed by Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva, extended the fair’s interplay of heritage and innovation. Inspired by the radiant sun of the Engadine and the warmth of Campania, the space seamlessly merged Alpine elegance with Italian charm, complementing the immersive atmosphere.

NOMAD Co-Founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte Illuminates the Singular Event

“It’s a labyrinth,” reflects NOMAD Co-Founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, describing the way this edition unfolds. “Visitors are surprised at every corner—one room might feel like a collector’s private salon, another like a raw, intimate gallery space. You are not just viewing an exhibition; you are traveling through it.”

Beyond its breathtaking setting, NOMAD cultivates a truly unique environment—one that is at once welcoming and exclusive, sophisticated yet unpretentious. Here, conversation flows effortlessly; collectors, critics, and gallerists engage in genuine exchanges, while artists and designers themselves are present to share their vision. Unlike the commercial bustle of traditional fairs, NOMAD fosters a sense of community, where art and design become an intimate, shared experience.

At the heart of this special edition, we sat down with NOMAD Co-Founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte to discuss the vision behind this year’s event, the significance of Klinik Gut, and how NOMAD continues to redefine Switzerland’s cultural landscape. What followed was a thoughtful conversation about artistic evolution, immersive curation, and the balance between exclusivity and openness that makes NOMAD unlike any other event in the world. 

WHITEWALL: NOMAD is now in its 15th edition—an incredible achievement. The fair’s multi-narrative approach and constant evolution in design and culture continue to inspire. NOMAD is known for selecting historically and architecturally significant locations that elevate the experience of art and design. What drew you to the former Klinik Gut for this edition, and how does the space shape the way visitors engage with the works on display?

NICOLAS BELLAVANCE-LECOMPTE: Klinik Gut was a great choice for the 15th edition of NOMAD, we believe, because of its central location. At first, some people were unsure about holding a showcase inside a former clinic or hospital—it was a challenge to convince them that it could feel inviting.

But in the end, the general layout, circulation, and scale of each room create a unique and intimate atmosphere. I believe all the exhibitors were ultimately charmed by the warmth and familiarity of the space—qualities that are very characteristic of NOMAD. Selecting venues with this kind of presence is fundamental; it forms the foundation of our showcases. 

“I believe all the exhibitors were ultimately charmed by the warmth and familiarity of the space,”

Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte

What’s also fascinating is that Klinik Gut was once a place of recovery, and many visitors have shared personal stories about their experiences here. Some had surgeries in these very rooms, which have now been completely reimagined—like those transformed into a restaurant. Upstairs, there are spaces with breathtaking views. One top-floor room, currently hosting an exhibition by Martin Brûlé Studio & Elizabeth Royer, has an especially rich history. Some visitors have recognized it as the place where Günther Sachs recovered, preferring to stay in a warm, personalized setting rather than an anonymous room. He even had the space panelled with wood and added a chimney to make it more inviting.

These layers of history add depth to the experience, making Klinik Gut not just a venue, but an integral part of NOMAD’s storytelling. At the end of the day, that’s what makes this setting so compelling—it inspires a deeper engagement with the works on display and creates a unique atmosphere.

A Dialogue Between the Artists and the Mountains Unfolds in St. Moritz

WW: This year’s edition brings together both returning and new participants. What curatorial shifts or emerging dialogues have you noticed in the selection of galleries and designers, and how do these shifts reflect the evolution of collectible design?

NB-L: St. Moritz has always carried a strong Alpine identity, and this influence is deeply embedded in the presentations at NOMAD. The relationship between the mountain landscape and the way artists and designers engage with their surroundings remains a defining theme across exhibitions. This contextualization is essential—it not only anchors the works in their setting but also fosters a dialogue between nature and place, making each edition of NOMAD distinctly site-specific.

There’s also this ongoing exploration of materials and textures, especially in design pieces, that creates a sense of comfort and immersion—almost like a cocoon. A great example is Buccellati’s special project, Convivium Montis, designed in collaboration with David/Nicolas. Their installation reinterprets the concept of an alpine chalet through the lens of Buccellati’s Art de la Table, blending architectural simplicity with rich, organic materials. The result is a striking contrast—earthy tones, layered textures, and intricate silverware reflecting the grandeur of Mount Cervino and the magic of winter in St. Moritz. It’s fascinating to see how they’ve translated the landscape’s essence into a contemporary design language that feels both personal and refined.

“It’s fascinating to see how they’ve translated the landscape’s essence into a contemporary design language that feels both personal and refined,”

Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte

This sensitivity to place extends beyond Buccellati’s project. On the top floor, Giovanni Martino has curated a dialogue between masters of the last century, all centered around an Alpine theme. Across the fair, there’s a consistent effort to ask: “What would I like to see or collect if I had a beautiful chalet in Switzerland? What piece would I want to bring back as a memory of this place, or what belongs here, intrinsically tied to the landscape?”

That’s the beauty of NOMAD—it cultivates these connections between design, collecting, and place in a way that remains both relevant and deeply personal. 

Special Projects Embraces a Range of Disciplines

WW: Special Projects this year span a range of disciplines, from jewelry and glass to lighting and textiles, each created exclusively for NOMAD St. Moritz. What was the guiding curatorial vision in commissioning these projects, and how do they contribute to the immersive experience of this edition?

NB-L: I touched on this in the previous question. At NOMAD, we don’t commission projects; rather, proposals are submitted, and we select those that resonate with the fair’s identity and setting.

The one exception this year is the pop-up restaurant, designed by Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva, which was more of a collaboration. We felt it was important to create a space where people could gather, celebrate, eat, and drink—an integral part of the NOMAD experience. Our partnership with Jumeirah Group and A-Ma-Re Capri brought their chef from Capri during his winter break, infusing a touch of Mediterranean warmth into the crisp Alpine air. It’s been fantastic to see how this space has contributed to the overall atmosphere of the fair.

Expanding the Cultural Scene and Evolving the Region’s Clientele

WW: St. Moritz is known for its international art scene, where collectors, designers, and galleries gather in a setting that feels both exclusive and relaxed. How does NOMAD contribute to this unique ecosystem, and what role do you see it playing within the broader cultural identity of the region?

NB-L: NOMAD came to St. Moritz eight years ago and has since played a significant role in shaping a new ecosystem in the Engadin. It has brought in galleries that have chosen to establish themselves here, turning St. Moritz into an increasingly important destination for art and design year after year. 

Looking at what’s happening this weekend—with visitors arriving from all over the world—it’s clear how excited people are to experience art that carries this Alpine sensibility. This reflects the transformative power a cultural event like NOMAD can have—not just on a city or a locality, but on an entire market. We’re proud to have played a role in expanding the cultural scene and evolving the type of clientele drawn to the region.

“It’s clear how excited people are to experience art that carries this Alpine sensibility,”

Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte

St. Moritz has always been a luxury destination, but it was primarily sports-driven. Integrating art and design has added a new dimension, elevating the experience and attracting a fascinating mix of new figures while enriching the valley’s cultural landscape.