Since its founding in 1918, the Kunsthalle Bern has been a place of production, presentation and mediation of contemporary art. The exhibitions feature confrontations with aesthetic and social issues that are at the forefront of society. Due to its significant exhibition history, the Kunsthalle Bern occupies a unique place in the international world of art.

Collaborations regularly take place with local institutions such as the Bern University of the Arts (HKB), the Institute of Art History at the University of Bern, the city’s arthouse cinemas, the Paul Klee Summer Academy and the Robert Walser Archive.

In addition to early individual exhibitions of artists such as Paul Klee, Alberto Giacometti, Ferdinand Hodler, Meret Oppenheim, Jasper Johns, Sol LeWitt and Daniel Buren, all of whom went on to achieve great fame, themed exhibitions also helped the Kunsthalle Bern to gain more prominence. Harald Szeemann, director of the Kunsthalle in the 1960s, made a mark on art history with his “When Attitudes Become Form” (1969) exhibition, which changed all the rules of curatorial self-perception. Fifty years later, the Kunsthalle is still forging new paths, and each director mesmerizes upcoming generations with the gallery’s program.

Kunsthalle Bar Module #5

How about an after-work beer beneath a leafy green canopy, high above the turquoise Aare, with a view of Bern’s Old Town? If it sounds like fun, then the bar at the Kunsthalle Bern is the place for you.

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Kunsthalle Bern, its courtyard was expanded with a floating platform. The bar, called “Module #5”, is an accessible sculpture created by the artist duo Lang/Baumann. It protrudes out from beside the Kirchenfeld bridge above the Aare slope and offers an outstanding view of Bern’s Old Town opposite.

The construction of the platform enveloped a large tree growing next to the Kunsthalle and incorporated it as part of the bar. The open-concept space, which nevertheless feels protected thanks to the green leafy roof, impresses with its special, summery atmosphere. The floor of black-and-white ceramic tiles pays homage to the original characteristic tile floors in the entrance area of the Kunsthalle.

Restaurant Dampfzentrale operates the bar, and in addition to beverages it offers a select range of delicious snacks, salads and sandwiches. The open-air bar will keep serving drinks until 2021 guaranteed, and is open from May until October.

The Kunsthalle Bern is also using the temporary addition as a space for events such as concerts and readings. You can find the current program on their website.