Kunsthalle Bern

About the museum

Kunsthalle Bern dates back to an initiative by the Bern artist community. From 1911, it raised money for its own exhibition building through festivals, sales exhibitions and share subscriptions; in March 1912, the Art Hall Association was founded. In 1918, the building opened at Helvetiaplatz, which the press celebrated by saying Bern had become an art city overnight.

Since then, the house has understood itself as a place for artistic experiments, with an archive preserving the institution's history. Early on, individual exhibitions by Paul Klee, Alberto Giacometti, Meret Oppenheim, Jasper Johns, Sol LeWitt, Bruce Nauman or Daniel Buren as well as Harald Szeemann's exhibition 'When Attitudes Become Form' made the art hall internationally known. Szeemann headed the house from 1961 to 1969.

Today the art hall shows contemporary positions in its halls, complemented by 'Collective Learning' programs such as tours, workshops and talks. Since 2024, iLiana Fokianaki has headed the house. In 2025, the building received its first intervention on the facade since its founding: an additional door on the garden side in the basement.

Highlights

• Contemporary art in changing exhibitions in the 1918 building
• Historic place: Szeemann's 'When Attitudes Become Form' originated here
• Free admission for all on the first Sunday of the month
• Kunsthalle Bar with views of Aare and old town (in warm months until end of 2026)
• 'Collective Learning' program with tours and workshops

Founded

1918

Operated by

Verein Kunsthalle Bern

Director

iLiana Fokianaki

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the first Sunday of the month, admission is free for all.

Free admission, among others, with Swiss Museum Pass, Culture GA, Raiffeisen, Swiss Travel Pass, Museum Card 24/48, ICOM, Visarte Bern and SGBK, for members and patrons of the Kunsthalle Bern Association, members of the Bernese Art Society and Bern Art Fund as well as with ID F, N or S. Reduced admission with artCard, KulturLegi and student ID. Members (from CHF 30) also visit 23 partner institutions free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

For people with strollers, mobility aids or those wishing to avoid stairs, there is a ramp to the left of the main entrance. An audio guide is offered at the reception for blind and visually impaired people.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

There are children's workshops as well as tours for children and adults (Kunsthalle Kids); for members, children's workshops are free. Ramp for strollers at main entrance.

Getting there & parking

The art hall is directly at Helvetiaplatz in the museum quarter.

Amenities & dining

Kunsthalle Bar 'Module #5' (design by Lang/Baumann) with views of Aare and old town operates in the warm months until end of 2026.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The art hall can be rented for private events; terms on request.

Plan your visit