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Fork of Vevey
Fork of Vevey
Fork of Vevey
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Fork of Vevey (French: La Fourchette de Vevey) is an 8-metre-tall (26 ft), 1.3-metre-wide (4.3 ft) stainless steel fork on the shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) in Vevey, Switzerland. Fork of Vevey is a part of the Alimentarium, a Vevey-based museum with a permanent exhibition on food and Nestlé's history.[1][2]

Key Information

The fork was initially created in 1995 by the Swiss artists Jean-Pierre Zaugg and C.Toda to mark the Alimentarium's tenth anniversary.[3] The fork was removed in 1996 but reinstated about a decade later, following a public petition. The Alimentarium claims that the Fork of Vevey is the world's largest fork,[4][5] and since 2014 the Guinness Book of World Records has listed it as such,[6][7] but there is a larger fork (11 metres (36 ft) long) in Springfield, Missouri,[8] and an even larger one (12 metres (39 ft) long) in Creede, Colorado.[9]

  • Alimentarium (museum of food) in Vevey, Switzerland
    Alimentarium (museum of food) in Vevey, Switzerland
  • Fork of Vevey
    Fork of Vevey
Fork of Vevey, Switzerland

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Fork of Vevey

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from Grokipedia
The Fork of Vevey (French: La Fourchette) is an 8-meter-high (26 ft) and 1.3-meter-wide (4.3 ft) of a fork embedded in the waters of , just off the quay in , . Designed by Swiss Jean-Pierre Zaugg and fabricated by local steelworker Georges Favre, it was installed in February 1995 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Alimentarium, the world's first museum dedicated to , located nearby. It was removed in 1996 due to concerns over its stability but was reinstated in 2007 following public advocacy and structural reinforcements, solidifying its status as a beloved local landmark. Recognized by in 2014 as the tallest fork in the world—weighing approximately 420 kilograms (929 lb)—it symbolizes 's deep ties to the food and , particularly as the longtime headquarters of , the global food giant founded in the town in 1866. Today, the sculpture serves as an iconic photo spot for visitors, enhancing the lakeside promenade's appeal amid 's scenic Alpine backdrop and cultural heritage.

Description

Physical characteristics

The Fork of Vevey is constructed entirely from , a durable material chosen for its resistance in an aquatic environment. The weighs approximately 450–500 kg (992–1,102 lb), contributing to its robust presence. Measuring 8 meters (26 ft 2.4 in) in height and 1.3 meters (4 ft 3.18 in) in width at its broadest point, with a thickness of 0.5 meters (1 ft 7.68 in), the structure achieves an imposing scale suitable for public viewing from a distance. Its design embodies a table form, featuring three prongs that taper elegantly upward, emerging vertically from the surface to create a minimalist, modern silhouette typical of late-20th-century public installations. For structural integrity, the base is securely anchored into the bed of , embedded approximately 5 meters from the lakeside promenade to withstand lake currents, wave action, and prevailing weather conditions. This approach ensures long-term stability without visible supports above the .

Location

The Fork of Vevey is situated on the eastern shore of , known locally as Lac Léman, at Quai Perdonnet in , , where it stands partially submerged in the shallow waters approximately 5 meters offshore. This positioning integrates the sculpture directly with the lake's edge, enhancing its prominence as a lakeside . The surrounding area features Vevey's scenic lakeside promenade, a pedestrian-friendly pathway lined with flowers and statues that runs parallel to the quayside, offering unobstructed views of the calm lake waters and the distant across the horizon. These vistas contribute to the sculpture's visibility and appeal, particularly during clear weather when the alpine backdrop frames the installation. Accessibility is straightforward for visitors, with the site publicly viewable from the promenade, supported by nearby parking facilities and easy walking access from central ; its approximate coordinates are 46°27′28″N 6°50′47″E. The sculpture's placement in the lake allows it to interact with the natural environment, remaining partially submerged to create a dynamic presence amid fluctuating water conditions. The stainless steel construction provides durability against the corrosive effects of the lakeside setting.

History

Creation and commission

The Fork of Vevey was designed by Swiss sculptor and visual artist Jean-Pierre Zaugg (1928–2012), a Neuchâtel-based creator renowned for his public installations that transform everyday objects into monumental forms. In 1994, the Alimentarium museum commissioned Zaugg to produce a commemorative artwork for its tenth anniversary, aligning with the institution's focus on food and nutrition. Zaugg collaborated with steelwork contractor Georges Favre, who handled the fabrication in to ensure durability and precision. Zaugg's conceptual intent centered on symbolizing alimentation through an exaggerated utensil, incorporating Swiss engineering expertise and a playful of scale to engage viewers with themes of sustenance. Development occurred in , where Zaugg produced initial sketches and prototypes, prioritizing sustainable materials and broad public accessibility in the design process.

Installation and legacy

The Fork of Vevey was unveiled in February 1995 as a temporary to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Alimentarium, the food museum in , . Designed by Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Zaugg and fabricated by Georges Favre, the 8-meter-tall piece was positioned in the shallow waters of , directly in front of the museum, symbolizing culinary heritage during the celebratory events. The installation received immediate acclaim from locals and visitors, who appreciated its playful yet monumental form as a fitting tribute to the museum's theme. Its popularity sparked widespread enthusiasm, leading to calls for it to remain beyond the anniversary period, though it was ultimately removed in March 1996 at the conclusion of the related and relocated to a at the Berndorf in Littau, . Public advocacy persisted after the removal, culminating in a petition drive organized by a support committee in the spring of 1996, which garnered significant community backing to bring the back. The returned to in September 2007 for a temporary exhibition on . Backed by the Vevey Tourist Office, the Town Council, and the Alimentarium, these efforts succeeded, and the was reinstated at the end of 2008 as a permanent lakeside . Since its return, the Fork has solidified its role in Vevey's cultural landscape, serving as an iconic draw that underscores the town's evolution into a vibrant hub for and along . Following Zaugg's death from cancer on June 26, 2012, at age 84, obituaries and commemorations emphasized the sculpture's lasting impact, noting its status as one of his most recognized works and a beloved fixture in Swiss .

Significance

Connection to Alimentarium

The Fork of Vevey stands in , approximately 5 meters offshore from Quai Perdonnet, directly in front of the Alimentarium museum in , , acting as a distinctive landmark that greets arriving visitors and enhances the site's visibility. Commissioned by the Alimentarium Foundation in 1995 to commemorate the museum's tenth anniversary, the sculpture thematically resonates with the institution's emphasis on , , and the of , symbolizing eating utensils as integral artifacts in human dietary evolution. Established in 1985 by through a dedicated foundation, the Alimentarium benefits from sustained institutional and financial backing tied to 's headquarters in , which extends to the maintenance and promotion of the as part of the region's food industry legacy. The foundation ensures the sculpture's ongoing upkeep.

Cultural recognition

The Fork of Vevey received certification from as the largest fork (cutlery) in 2014, measuring 8 meters in height and weighing approximately 450–500 kg. It continues to hold this record as of 2025. This recognition highlights its status as a monumental embedded in , designed to commemorate the Alimentarium museum's connection to food themes. As a quirky , the attracts significant tourist attention, serving as a key photo opportunity along Vevey's lakeside promenade and drawing visitors year-round for its surreal appearance rising from the water. It is prominently featured in travel resources such as Atlas Obscura, where it is described as a town symbol, and on , where it holds a 4.1 rating from 81 reviews praising its novelty. The sculpture has appeared in notable media, including photography collections associated with , where it is captured in striking images reflecting its pristine form against Lake Geneva's backdrop. Its distinctive lakeside placement has also contributed to its online popularity, often shared for its intriguing visual impact. Symbolizing Vevey's ties to culinary heritage and innovative , the Fork embodies Swiss creativity in monumental installations and stands as an iconic element of the town's identity, complementing landmarks like the nearby statue.
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