Bern Historical Museum
Bern
The Bern Historical Museum, located in Bern, Switzerland, is the country's second largest historical museum. Designed by architect André Lambert and completed in 1894, its design was inspired by 15th and 16th-century castles, reflecting a historicist style. The museum houses extensive collections spanning Bern's history from prehistoric times to the present, alongside ethnographic artifacts from Asia, Oceania, America, and Egypt. Notable exhibits include the Burgundian tapestries taken after the Battle of Nancy in 1477, the Muri statuette group of Gallo-Roman bronze figurines, and a mummified Egyptian head dating to the first or early second century BC. The museum also features the Einstein Museum, dedicated to Albert Einstein's life and work, highlighting his time in Bern when he developed the theory of relativity. In 2009, the museum expanded with a new wing providing additional exhibition and cultural heritage protection spaces. As a heritage site of national significance, it actively engages with contemporary societal themes through changing exhibitions and the BHM LAB platform. The Bern Historical Museum is also part of the international Multaka network, offering intercultural guided tours for refugees and migrants.
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Consiglio: Visit the Bern Historical Museum during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time. The museum offers free guided tours in multiple languages and discounts for students, seniors, and groups. The Einstein Museum section provides engaging multimedia exhibits, ideal for visitors interested in science and history. Check the official website for temporary exhibitions and special events to enrich your visit.
Fatti interessanti
- •The museum holds the Burgundian tapestries seized after Duke Charles the Bold’s defeat at the Battle of Nancy in 1477.
- •It contains the Muri statuette group, six Gallo-Roman bronze figurines of great archaeological importance.
- •The Moringen arrowhead in the collection was confirmed to be of meteoric origin in 2023, over a century after acquisition.
- •The museum houses a mummified head of an Egyptian man from the first or early second century BC.
- •A glass mosaic titled 'The Age of History' by Léo-Paul Robert decorates the museum's entrance, created in 1900.
- •The museum is part of the international Multaka network, offering guided tours for refugees and migrants in their native languages.
Storia
Founded in 1889 as the Swiss National Museum foundation by the canton, city, and Burgergemeinde of Bern, the museum was renamed the Bern Historical Museum in 1893.
The building was constructed between 1892 and 1894, originally intended to house the Swiss National Museum before the federal decision placed it in Zurich.
Over the years, the museum's collections grew through acquisitions and donations, including the significant oriental collection donated by Henri Moser in 1914.
In 2009, the museum expanded with a modern extension to accommodate growing exhibitions and cultural preservation needs.
The museum continues to evolve, with planned renovations starting in 2028 to update the historic building while maintaining its heritage.
Guida del luogo
Main Building1894
The original historicist building designed by André Lambert, inspired by medieval castles, featuring the iconic glass mosaic 'The Age of History' above the entrance.
Burgundian Tapestries15th century
A significant collection of tapestries taken from Duke Charles the Bold's camp after his defeat in 1477, illustrating scenes from the Burgundian Wars.
Muri Statuette GroupRoman period
A group of six Gallo-Roman bronze figurines dating from antiquity, notable for their artistic and archaeological value.
Einstein MuseumEstablished 2005
Dedicated to Albert Einstein's life and scientific achievements, especially his time in Bern where he developed the theory of relativity. Features around 550 original objects, reproductions, films, and animations.
Multaka Project2019
An intercultural initiative offering guided tours in Arabic and other languages for refugees and migrants, fostering dialogue about cultural heritage and museum collections.
Contatto
Telefono: 031 350 77 11