Kunstmuseum Bern | Bern

Information

Landmark: Kunstmuseum Bern
City: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe

Kunstmuseum Bern, Bern, Switzerland, Europe

The Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts Bern) is Switzerland’s oldest permanent art museum, housing a collection that spans eight centuries.

Visual Characteristics

The museum consists of a late 19th-century Neo-Renaissance building (the Stettler building) and a modern functionalist extension built in the 1980s. The interior features a series of grand, high-ceilinged galleries and intimate cabinet rooms. The facade is characterized by Bernese sandstone and classic architectural proportions.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern.

Public Transport: Located approximately 0.4km northeast of Bern Main Station. It is easily reachable by a 5-minute walk or by taking bus line 20 to the "Luzern, Kunstmuseum" stop.

Vehicle Access: The "Metro-Parking" is the closest large underground facility.

Entry: The main entrance is street-level and leads to a central foyer.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was inaugurated in 1879. It was founded to house the state-owned art collections of the Canton of Bern and the city's art society. The site is situated on a plateau overlooking the Aare River valley. In recent history, the museum gained international attention in 2014 when it was named the sole heir to the controversial Cornelius Gurlitt collection.

Key Highlights & Activities

Permanent Collection: Features over 3,000 paintings and 48,000 drawings, including major works by Ferdinand Hodler, Paul Klee, and Albert Anker.

International Masters: Includes pieces by Picasso, Meret Oppenheim, and Italian Trecento masters.

Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts curated shows of contemporary and modern art.

Research: Home to a significant library and archive focused on Swiss art history.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: The building is wheelchair accessible via elevators. Public restrooms, a cloakroom, and lockers are located on-site.

Dining: The museum cafe provides drinks and light snacks.

Digital: Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors. 5G reception is strong throughout the central district.

Best Time to Visit

Hours: Tuesday 10:00–20:00; Wednesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays).

Strategy: Tuesday evenings (after 17:00) often feature special events or a quieter atmosphere. Weekday mornings are best for viewing the permanent collections without crowds.

Facts & Legends

The museum holds the most significant collection of works by the Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler. A verified fact: The museum’s decision to accept the Gurlitt estate involved a complex legal and ethical process to ensure works looted during the Nazi era were identified and returned to rightful heirs.