Kunsthaus Biel Centre d’art Bienne

About the museum

The history of the Kunsthaus began in December 1990 with the first exhibition in the eastern part of the former hospital in the Pasquart district. The neoclassical building was erected in 1866 as Biel's first hospital and had previously been converted with the support of the city, the Confederation, the Canton of Bern, private individuals and the associations involved.

A decisive impetus came in 1993 with the will of Paul Ariste Poma: he bequeathed seven million francs for an extension, but required the city to contribute twice that amount. Biel voters approved the project clearly in October 1995. The architecture competition was won by the Basel firm Diener & Diener, and on New Year's night 2000 the extended building was officially opened. The new building with its skylit hall (Salle Poma, 365 m²) forms, together with the historic old building, the setting for the programme.

Today the institution sees itself as an exhibition venue for contemporary art in the largest bilingual city in Switzerland. It combines experimental projects with historical exhibitions and collection presentations, and looks after the collections of the Kunsthaus and the Kunstverein. The building also houses a public library on contemporary art and the Studiolo, a space made available to artists for one year at a time. The Kunsthaus shares the Pasquart with the Photoforum Pasquart, the Filmpodium Biel/Bienne and the Espace Libre; the operating body is the Stiftung Centre Pasquart.

Highlights

• New building by Diener & Diener with the 365 m² skylit hall Salle Poma
• Neoclassical hospital building of 1866 as exhibition space
• Collections of the Kunsthaus and the Kunstverein with contemporary works
• Public library on contemporary art and the annual studio space Studiolo
• One ticket is also valid for the Photoforum and Espace Libre in the same building

Founded

1990

Operated by

Stiftung Centre Pasquart

Director

Paul Bernard

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission for everyone every Thursday from 6:00 p.m.

One ticket is valid for all exhibitions in the building (Kunsthaus Biel, Photoforum and Espace Libre). Free admission for members of Kunstverein Biel and Photoforum, with the Museum Pass, Museums-PASS-Musées, Raiffeisen MemberPlus, VMS, ICOM, Kultur-GA, LEBE, art students and refugees.

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 building is wheelchair accessible; the lift serves all rooms and the toilets. People with reduced mobility can be dropped off by car in front of the entrance. In the entrance area there are a wheelchair, folding chairs and a baby carrier.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The children's club takes place bilingually on six Saturdays in spring and autumn, alternating between the NMB and the Kunsthaus. The exploration booklet for children and a children's room with picture books and games on the second floor invite young visitors to discover; the toilets have a baby changing table.

Getting there & parking

The building lies at the foot of the Jura between the railway station and the old town, on the promenade that connects the city centre with the lake.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop with publications; the library is open to everyone during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Available for hire are the library (62 m²), foyer (295 m², seated meals up to 70 people, aperitif up to 200), Salle Poma (360 m²), the galleries, the Parkett and the art education studio (65 m²); rental prices on request.

Plan your visit