Convincing solution 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

“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 September 2025, the Cantonal Parliament of Bern approved the project loan by a large majority, thereby provided the necessary funds to further develop and specify the winning project. A committee has launched a referendum against this decision. If enough signatures are collected, a cantonal vote on the Cantonal Parliament's decision will take place in 2026.

The project work will be suspended until the decision of the voting population.

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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Convincing solution for Bern

Jury’s reasoning

The jury’s reasoning can be summarised as follows:

What happens next

Reasons for the renewal

What the museum will offer in the future

Financed through a collaborative effort