In 2025, the Kunstmuseum Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee recorded 258,940 visitors. The major exhibitions on Le Corbusier and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner were particularly successful. 2025 was also a year of anniversaries for both cultural institutions. The Zentrum Paul Klee celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the Kunstmuseum Bern marked 150 years since the founding of the foundation for the establishment of an art museum.
The Kunstmuseum Bern welcomed around 94,000 visitors to its exhibitions in 2025. Especially the major autumn exhibition Kirchner × Kirchner, which for the first time in over 90 years reunited the monumental works Alpsonntag. Szene am Brunnen and Sonntag der Bergbauern, and the collection presentation Panorama Schweiz. From Caspar Wolf to Ferdinand Hodler were among the crowd-pullers.
The exhibitions and events at the Zentrum Paul Klee in its anniversary year attracted 165,061 people. A big highlight was the exhibition Le Corbusier. The Order of Things, which was seen by over 61,000 visitors. The second major temporary exhibition, Anni Albers. Constructing Textiles, was also very well received by both the public and media. The genre programs are a staple part of the center's offerings: Out of 8 master concerts, 6 were sold out. The 12 readings also generated great interest.
"This positive response at a high level pleases us greatly," says Nina Zimmer, Director of the Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee. "It shows that the exhibitions and programs of the Kunstmuseum Bern and Zentrum Paul Klee resonate with people and that museums play an important role in society. The strong interest reinforces our work, especially with an eye towards the project Future Kunstmuseum Bern. Our well- attended vernissages are also a particular delight – our exhibition openings have established themselves as important events in Bern's cultural life."
"It is very pleasing that we were able to meet our budgeted visitor numbers in 2025 and that the interest in our offerings remains very high," adds Thomas Soraperra, Commercial Director of the Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee.
Currently, the last week of the exhibition Kirchner × Kirchner (until January 11, 2026) is underway at the Kunstmuseum Bern, along with the exhibitions Panorama Schweiz. From Caspar Wolf to Ferdinand Hodler and Stiftung Expressionismus. From Gabriele Münter to Sam Francis (both until July 5, 2026). On February 12, 2026, the major exhibition The Full Life. Old Masters from Duccio to Liotard will open, showcasing historical treasures from the museum's own collection.
At the Zentrum Paul Klee, the exhibition Anni Albers. Constructing Textiles can be seen until February 22, 2026. Just in time for Bern's Museum Night on March 20, 2026, Schwitters. Border Crosser of the Avant-garde will open, the first retrospective on Kurt Schwitters in Switzerland in 20 years.
Contact
Martina Witschi
Communication & Media
Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee
press@kmbzpk.ch
Tel. +41 31 328 09 93
Press Office
press@kmbzpk.ch
+41 31 328 09 93
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