Klingendes Museum Bern

About the museum

The museum goes back to the wind instrument collection of Karl Burri, which the press was already reporting on in 1974. To this were added the collection of the Hirsbrunner company and the flute collection "Flautorama" by Ueli Halder. The museum is run by the Stiftung Instrumentensammlung Burri, which was founded on 15 September 2014.

The Klingendes Museum opened in January 2017 at Kramgasse 66 in Bern, on the lower level not far from the Zytglogge. The Bern University of the Arts, Research Institute Interpretation, is a contractual partner of the foundation and has its own historical instruments looked after by the museum. In October 2025 the museum welcomed its 30,000th visitor since opening.

The collection comprises around 1,600 wind instruments and drums from three centuries, including horns and flutes from Mozart's time, the prototype of the alto saxophone in F by Adolphe Sax from 1853 and the earliest instruments by Swiss instrument makers. Some of them, such as the alphorn, rankett, lur or theremin, may be played in the exhibition.

Highlights

• Around 1,600 wind instruments and drums from 300 years
• Prototype of the alto saxophone in F by Adolphe Sax (1853)
• Instruments to play yourself, such as alphorn, rankett, lur and theremin
• Permanent exhibition "C'est le vent qui fait la musique"
• Video guide included in the admission price

Permanent exhibition

• C’est le vent qui fait la musique – The permanent exhibition shows wind instruments from antiquity through the "Turkish music" of around 1800 to the Romantic orchestra, and tells how the shepherd's horn became the alphorn; many instruments can be tried out.

Founded

2017

Operated by

Stiftung Instrumentensammlung Burri

Director

Adrian v. Steiger

Admission & discounts

Prices include the video guide (can also be used on your own smartphone). Free with Museumspass, Raiffeisen card, Museum Card Bern and Swiss Travel Pass; 50% discount with KulturLegi, 25% for BKMV members.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 exhibition is wheelchair accessible and can be reached by lift; it is located on the lower level (access via an outdoor staircase). Special tours are offered for people with visual or hearing impairments.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 6+

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children aged 6 and over are welcome; according to the museum, the exhibition is not suitable for younger children. Instruments may be tried out, and workshops for school classes and groups are possible.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located near the Zytglogge on the lower level (outdoor staircase).

Amenities & dining

Apéro catering for groups and events is possible.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 50 guests.

The exhibition space can be hired for private events such as concerts, talks and apéros (up to 50 people, rather dry acoustics, projector and sound equipment available).

Plan your visit