The museum Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern features about 40 percent of Paul Klee's entire pictorial oeuvre. The building was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2005.
Zentrum Paul Klee with its three arches
The museum building blends into the topography of the terrain, composed of softly rolling hills. The 150-meter-long glass front is defined by three sweeping arches, each housing a different function of the institution: art education, collection, research, and administration. These curved steel and glass structures are not only visually striking but also load-bearing, making the Zentrum Paul Klee a context-sensitive example of structural expressionism. The exposed steel ribs and undulating form articulate the building’s structural logic, while also creating a poetic dialogue with the natural setting, merging engineering and architecture into a unified gesture.
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - exterior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - exterior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - exterior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - exterior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - interior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - interior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - interior
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - interior
The main exhibition area is located in the center volume of the building. The permanent exhibition is on the ground level, while temporary exhibitions are on display in the basement. Contrary to many other museum buildings, Zentrum Paul Klee doesn't use any lighting from above.
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - exhibition room
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern - access to the temporary exhibitions in the basement
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern
Temporary Exhibitions
Le Corbusier. The Order of Things
The first special exhibition of the 20 year anniversary of Zentrum Paul Klee showcases the works of the Swiss-French artist, architect and urban planner through three axes: art, architecture and research. Until June 22, 2025
entrance to Le Corbusier. The Order of Things
Le Corbusier furniture
Le Corbusier. The Order of Things
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