Museums & galleries
Kunstmuseum Bern
About the Museum
Opened in 1879, the Kunstmuseum Bern is the oldest art museum in Switzerland with a permanent collection. It holds works spanning several centuries, including classic, modern, and contemporary pieces, alongside rotating temporary exhibitions. Travellers visit to see its diverse visual art holdings in a dedicated exhibition space.
Getting There
The museum is situated in central Bern, just north of the Old Town. From Bern central railway station, it is a direct 5- to 10-minute walk. Local tram and bus routes also stop nearby at central transit points.
Time to Spend
Allow roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours to view the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Visitors interested in specific collections or artists may want to allocate more time.
When to Visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter than weekends. The galleries can become crowded during major temporary exhibits and on rainy days when indoor sights see higher traffic.
Nearby Sights to Combine
Its central location makes it easy to visit other nearby landmarks on foot:
- Waisenhausplatz (0.2 km): An open city square that regularly hosts open-air markets.
- Botanical Garden Bern (0.2 km): Greenhouses and plant collections situated just across the Aare river.
- Lorraine railway viaduct (0.3 km): A historic viaduct structure connecting different parts of the city across the river valley.
- Bärenplatz (0.4 km): A busy public plaza lined with outdoor dining and market stalls near the federal parliament.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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