Kunstmuseum Bern
Bern
Kunstmuseum Bern, established in 1879, is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most significant art museums. Located in the Swiss capital Bern, it houses an extensive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, including over 3,000 paintings and sculptures and 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and films. The museum features renowned artists such as Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler, Meret Oppenheim, Ricco Wassmer, and Adolf Wölfli. Its historic building, designed by Eugen Stettler in a Neo-Renaissance style, was constructed between 1876 and 1878 and expanded in the 20th century with modernist additions. The museum is also notable for inheriting the controversial Gurlitt collection in 2014, which includes artworks linked to Nazi-era provenance issues, highlighting its commitment to provenance research and restitution. Recent bequests like the Kornfeld collection further enrich its holdings with masterpieces by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Alberto Giacometti. Kunstmuseum Bern offers a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours, making it a vibrant cultural hub that bridges classical and modern art traditions.
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Tip: Visit Kunstmuseum Bern during weekdays or early afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy guided tours offered regularly, including special sessions on provenance research. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for popular temporary exhibitions. The museum offers concessions for students and seniors. Check the official website for current exhibitions and events to plan your visit accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •The museum holds over 3,000 paintings and sculptures plus 48,000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and films.
- •It became the sole heir to the controversial Gurlitt collection in 2014, which contains artworks suspected to have been stolen during the Nazi era.
- •The building features Neo-Renaissance architecture with notable facade medallions depicting Zeus and Minerva by Raphael Christen.
- •The museum's modernist side wing, opened in 1936, was designed to provide ideal lighting conditions for contemporary art.
- •In 2024, the museum received a bequest including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's 'Junkerboden' and Alberto Giacometti's 'Caroline' from Eberhard W. Kornfeld.
History
The origins of Kunstmuseum Bern trace back to 1779 with the establishment of the first art school in Bern and the acquisition of significant art collections during the 19th century.
Officially founded in 1879, the museum initially occupied a Neo-Renaissance building designed by Eugen Stettler.
Over time, it expanded with modernist architectural additions in the 1930s and further renovations in the 1980s and 1990s to accommodate growing collections and contemporary art.
The museum's history is marked by its dedication to both Swiss and international art, as well as its role in provenance research, notably after inheriting the Gurlitt collection in 2014.
Since 2016, it has been co-managed with the Zentrum Paul Klee under director Nina Zimmer, reinforcing its status as a leading art institution in Switzerland.
Place Guide
Stettler Building1876–1878
The original Neo-Renaissance building constructed between 1876 and 1878 by Eugen Stettler features grand architectural details and facade medallions representing Zeus and Minerva, symbolizing wisdom and power.
Modernist Side Wing1932–1936
Added between 1932 and 1936 by architects Karl Indermühle and Otto Salvisberg, this wing features unadorned white walls and skylights, creating optimal lighting for contemporary artworks.
Kornfeld Collection2024
A recent donation including important works such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's 'Junkerboden' (1919) and Alberto Giacometti's 'Caroline' (1965), enriching the museum's modern art holdings.
Contact
Phone: 031 328 09 44
