Lichtspiel/Kinemathek Bern

About the museum

The Kinemathek grew out of a private collection of cinema material. The Lichtspiel association has existed since 2000; its aim is to preserve and document films and equipment from cinema history and to make them accessible to the public. Until 2012 the collection was housed in a former Chocolat Tobler factory near Bern's goods station.

For the Bern Museum Night 2012, the Kinemathek opened its doors in a new location: the Ryff-Fabrik in the Marzili, a knitwear factory on the Aare built in 1890. A visible storage area and a cinema were created on roughly 1,000 square metres; together with other filmmakers in the building, the Berner Filmhaus was founded.

The film archive comprises around 25,000 reels of film, including newsreels, advertising films, documentaries and amateur films. In addition there is a hardware collection with projectors, cameras, editing tables, posters and lobby cards. The extensive magic lantern collection from the estate of Heinz Leuenberger also shapes the house. The Lichtspiel understands a museum as something to be used: many devices are restored and put back into use for screenings. It is a member of the Association of Museums of Switzerland and of museen bern.

Highlights

• Visible storage with projectors, cameras, editing tables and cinema material from all eras
• Magic lantern collection from the estate of Heinz Leuenberger
• Film archive with around 25,000 reels of film
• Cinema with analogue film projection and Sunday short film programme
• Behind-the-scenes tours at selected events

Permanent exhibition

• Schaulager der Kinemathek – Constantly changing presentation of projectors, cameras, viewing tables, posters and lobby cards, plus a dedicated room for the magic lantern collection.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Verein Lichtspiel / Kinemathek Bern

Director

David Landolf

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

• 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 rooms are wheelchair accessible, and a hearing system with induction loop is available. The venue sees itself as an inclusive place (Procap access monitor, "Kultur inklusiv" label).

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The building is right next to the Dampfzentrale.

Amenities & dining

Bar at the public events.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 80 guests.

Cinema hall with visible storage (400 m²) for family celebrations, corporate events and seminars with up to 80 people, with bar and a personal film programme from the archive.

Plan your visit