Bern plans to revitalise the Historical Museum
The Education Committee unanimously approves a project planning credit of CHF 2.5 million for the necessary renovation and planned expansion of the Bernisches Historisches Museum in order to equip the historical institution for future requirements. The Canton of Bern, the City of Bern and the Burgergemeinde Bern are planning to jointly contribute up to CHF 40 million to the project.
The Bern Historical Museum, which is over 130 years old, is about to undergo extensive modernisation and expansion. Following a thorough examination, the Education Commission has recognised the need for comprehensive modernisation and strategic expansion and recommends that the Grand Council approve the project planning credit of CHF 2.5 million. This step is important in order to press ahead with the detailed planning and cost estimates for the refurbishment, extension and integration into the newly designed Museumsquartier Bern.
The Museum’s Board of Trustees has already set the course for a comprehensive renovation, which envisages both a complete refurbishment of the existing historic building and a modern extension. The planned extension is intended to improve accessibility, open up the museum garden and integrate it into the museum quarter. The new building will also make the museum barrier-free and support modern exhibition concepts.
The Burgergemeinde Bern has already approved a loan of the same amount, and the City of Bern is expected to make its decision later this year. The Education Commission emphasises the advantages of the project, which will not only improve the museum’s infrastructure, but also increase the attractiveness of the site for visitors and open up new opportunities for cultural events and special projects.
The approval of the project planning credit by the Grand Council is an important milestone for the project, which promises significant added value for the cultural landscape of the canton and the city of Bern. Following approval by the Grand Council and subsequent approval by the electorate, planning work should begin in autumn 2024, with the new museum building scheduled to open in summer 2027.