Centre Albert Anker
Artist's house of the painter Albert Anker in Ins, with the residence, an originally preserved studio, a permanent exhibition and a new art pavilion.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The large farmhouse on Müntschemiergasse in Ins was built in 1803 by Anker's grandfather, the veterinarian Rudolf Anker. The painter Albert Anker was born here in 1831, set up a studio on the upper floor in 1859 and inherited the house in 1860; from 1891 he lived in Ins year-round with his family. After his death in 1910, the property remained in the family, and the studio with its complete furnishings was preserved almost unchanged.
In 1994, Matthias and Rosette Brefin, together with the Canton and Burgergemeinde of Bern and the municipality of Ins, founded the non-profit Albert Anker-Haus Ins Foundation, which now runs the Centre. In 2009 the house was added to the inventory of cultural property of national significance, and in 2016 the property passed to the foundation. For the expansion of the artist's house, the Biel architect Marcel Hegg designed the art pavilion in the garden (in operation since June 2022), and the residence was renovated in keeping with its heritage status from 2022 to 2024; the former agricultural section now serves as reception, exhibition and workshop space.
The Centre Albert Anker has been open to visitors since June 2024. The bilingual permanent exhibition tells the story of the artist's life and commitments in thematic chapters; the residence and studio are accessible only on a guided tour. The foundation's collection includes the studio with Anker's belongings and a library of over 1,000 books, as well as around 900 sketches, designs, drawings, watercolours and oil studies.
Highlights
- Albert Anker's studio in the attic, preserved almost unchanged
- Historic Anker family residence with largely original furnishings
- Bilingual permanent exhibition on the painter's life and work
- New art pavilion in the garden
- Library with over 1,000 books and around 900 sketches and studies in the collection
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung im Albert Anker-Haus – Spread over two floors in the former attic space, the exhibition presents the painter's life, family, companions and commitments in Ins and in the wider European context of his time in thematic chapters.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Stiftung Albert Anker-Haus Ins
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8Senior (AHV) and disability (IV) pensioners, unemployed (ALV) and students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 16 · Children up to 16 years enter free of charge. |
| Seniors | CHF 8AHV (old-age pension) |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 8IV (disability insurance) |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8 |
| Groups | CHF 10 per personGroup tour in addition to admission per person: 1 to 15 people CHF 170, 16 to 20 people CHF 290. |
| Admission high season (June to October) | CHF 17Reduced CHF 14; includes the special exhibition. |
| Guided tour incl. admission (March to May, November) | CHF 22Reduced CHF 20. |
| Guided tour incl. admission (June to October) | CHF 29Reduced CHF 26. |
| Workshop for school classes (2 hours, up to 20 people) | CHF 180Materials included; for upper secondary school and senior high school levels. |
Prices apply in the shoulder season (March to May and November); in the high season from June to October, admission is CHF 17 (reduced CHF 14).
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Anker house of 1803 is a listed building; the historic rooms of the residence and studio are not accessible to wheelchair users. The art pavilion, the reception room and parts of the permanent exhibition are barrier-free; contacting the centre by email before your visit is recommended.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ins Dorf
By train to Ins station (about 45 minutes from Bern, about 35 from Neuchâtel, about 30 from Biel); the Ins Dorf station of Aare Seeland Mobil is very close by.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking at the Centre; parking is available on the village square, at the municipal works yard and at the football pitch.
The Anker house is on Hauptstrasse, a few steps from the village square.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Small shop at reception with books and catalogues; bistro in the adjoining room and in the garden in fine weather.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tours of the residence and studio take place Friday to Sunday at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm in German, French or bilingually (maximum 15 people, online booking with time slot). Group tours are possible Tuesday to Thursday between 11 am and 6 pm. The permanent exhibition is bilingual, supported by audiovisual media and self-explanatory. |
