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Distinctive building for Bern 

Rendering Siegerprojekt «Eiger», Blick vom Waisenhausplatz

The winning project from the international architectural competition presents an impressive solution for the challenging site and is the most suitable option for further processing and realisation. The winning team, Schmidlin Architekten (Zurich and Engadine), took the chance to connect a contemporary museum building with the Stettler Building and design an architectural ensemble that is well integrated into the UNESCO City of Bern. 

The project envisages replacing the Atelier 5 building (extension), which is in urgent need of renovation, with an attractive, free-standing replacement building made of sandstone. The architectural independence of the Stettler Building (old building) will be restored at the same time. The bistro and office space will be located in the adjacent building at Hodlerstrasse 6. Setting the new building back will create a museum square that emphasises the three buildings as an ensemble and links the museum with the public space as effectively as possible. A wide outdoor staircase between the Stettler Building and the new building will lead down to the new Aare terrace, a public space that can be used for picnics and art education, among other things.

Jury’s reasoning

    • The expansion of the Kunstmuseum is based on a distinctive new building that complements the row of prestigious public buildings on the northern slope of the Aare River. The building makes full use of the maximum possible height cited in the feasibility study, forms a moderate high point similar to that of the City Theatre’s fly tower, and fits in well with the city skyline. The free-standing new building forms a distinctive counterpart to the neoclassical Stettler Building, which is given significantly more space and regains its architectural independence.
    • The new building will be set back from Hodlerstrasse, creating a spacious forecourt which will invite people to visit the museum and make it possible to use the space in new ways. This creates clear added value for both the city and the museum. The new museum square will serve as a meeting point and place for art in public spaces. The ground-level bistro in the Hodlerstrasse 6 building will become a lively part of the square.
    • The Stettler Building, the new building and the building at Hodlerstrasse 6 will form an ensemble around the museum square, architecturally bound together by the clever spatial layout of the buildings. The three separate buildings from different eras with their individual characteristics will play off one another, giving the museum square a dynamic vibe.
    • A terraced courtyard garden will link the new building with the bistro and draw more attention to the city walls. A wide outdoor staircase between the Stettler Building and the new building will lead down to the new Aare terrace, a public space that can be used for picnics and art education, among other things.
    • The clarity of the urban design continues indoors. The new building’s main entrance to the Kunstmuseum opens into a spacious foyer visible from outside that can be accessed regardless of whether one is visiting the museum and where various activities can take place. From here, the stairs and elevators lead clearly through the entire building. A trip to the museum becomes a “two-part” visit and therefore double the experience: firstly, guests can explore the new building with its three stand-alone exhibition rooms located one above the other. Secondly, the new building features a passage to the Stettler Building, providing an insight into the character of a 19th century art museum. A spacious exhibition area under the museum square connects the new building with the Stettler Building and leads into a room twice the height with unexpected light and views.
    • The new building has a unique façade that incorporates elements of traditional Bernese quarrying. The sandstone façade features a rough surface on the ground floor and becomes smoother towards the top. Carefully positioned window openings allow unparalleled views into and out of the building. On the third floor, a skylight ceiling creates a special atmosphere.
To the jury and jury’s report
Thomas Hasler

“The winning project stands out thanks to its urban character in the UNESCO perimeter and its modern, self-assured architectural language. The jury was won over by the distinct nature of the new building as a solitary structure that leaves the Stettler Building entirely separate, and the inclusion of the building at Hodlerstrasse 6 in the ensemble. With the creation of a square on Hodlerstrasse and the opening up of the slope of the Aare River, the project creates clear added value for the city and gives Kunstmuseum Bern an attractive, inviting address.”

 

Thomas Hasler, President of the Jury 

What happens next 

In autumn 2025, the Cantonal Parliament of the Canton of Bern will decide on the project loan, with the aim of providing the funds needed to continue working on and fleshing out the winning project. During further development, the façade’s potential to create a flowing structure should be exploited in order to create deeper links to the surroundings. Checks must also be made as to the extent to which remedial work is possible in the protected Stettler and Hodlerstrasse 6 buildings. When designing the outdoor space, planted areas are envisaged to improve the urban climate. Various needs will be coordinated with the museum’s curatorial concept with regard to the multiple uses of the foyer and multifunctional room.

A jury committee will supervise the revision of the project. Further development will take place together with the city’s Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments. The monument preservation officer is already a member of the expert jury. The final project is expected to be available at the start of 2028.

  • Reasons for the renewal

    Whether building services equipment, air conditioning and cooling systems, fire protection or exhibition rooms: the Kunstmuseum lacks a modern, sustainable infrastructure. In some cases, operation is only possible with special permits.

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  • What the museum will offer in the future

    Bright and airy exhibition rooms enhance art appreciation. You can look forward to an inviting entrance to the building, spacious mediation rooms, attractive food service options and spaces you’ll enjoy spending time in.

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  • Financed through a collaborative effort

    The museum renovation renewal is also a joint effort when it comes to financing, too: It is to be financed through public sector funds, private patrons, foundations and businesses.

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