Referendum
In September 2025, the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern approved the planning credit by a large majority. A referendum was subsequently launched against this decision. On 14 June 2026, Bernese voters rejected the credit.
On 10 September 2025, the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern approved the CHF 15.7 million planning credit for the renovation and renewal project “Kunstmuseum Bern of the future” by a large majority. At the same time, it set a cost ceiling of CHF 81 million for the cantonal contribution to the overall project. A referendum was launched against the planning credit. On 14 June 2026, the voters of the Canton of Bern rejected the credit with 51.8% voting “No”.
What does this mean for the project?
As a result, the planned project development work for 2026 cannot proceed. Over the coming weeks, the Foundation Kunstmuseum Bern will undertake a comprehensive review to carefully assess the situation and determine the next steps. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the need to renovate the Kunstmuseum Bern remains urgent. The structural and operational challenges must be addressed in order to ensure the museum’s operation in the medium term and its preservation in the long term.
