The Bucket List for Art and Design

The collection of the internationally renowned artist Franz Gertsch is highly unique for artists of distinction. Where can you see it? In Burgdorf in the Emmental valley, in the museum named after the artist. It comprises Gertsch’s works from 1984 to 2022, most of which belong to the Willy Michel Foundation’s collection. Willy Michel and Franz Gertsch both played a leading role in the conception of the museum in Burgdorf. In addition to Gertsch’s mostly large-format woodcuts, paintings and portraits, you can also visit temporary exhibitions of contemporary art from inside and outside of Switzerland. Taking centre stage is figurative, contemporary art. By the way: The museum is also worth a visit if you love architecture. This unique building was designed by Swiss architects Jörg and Sturm.

Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Ferdinand Hodler and Meret Oppenheim – the works of every important name in art history are represented in the Museum of Fine Arts Bern, an internationally renowned art museum and the oldest one in Switzerland. Its growing collection consists of over 4,000 paintings and sculptures and almost 50,000 drawings, photographs, prints, videos and films. If you are interested in art, you cannot miss this museum. Go see some of the classics live or get lost in one of the special exhibitions. The latter focus on contemporary art as well as important works in the Swiss or Bernese art scene.

By wrapping up their Kunsthalle, the people of Bern have really let the art out of the bag: If it wasn’t before, the Kunsthalle Bern surely became internationally renowned when the building was wrapped up by wrapping couple Christo and Jeanne-Claude. This project was a major turning point for contemporary art in Bern. Up until this day, the museum sees itself as a dynamic place that reinvents itself with every exhibition. The museum’s work strengthens the collaboration with local institutions such as the Bern Academy of Arts. The Kunsthalle repeatedly offers a wide variety of artists a space to showcase their work. Information on current exhibitions can be found on the website.

What makes the Bernese fashion label «Viento» so distinctive, is the interplay of volume, cut and material. Classic denim, Scottish tartan, elegant prints: the label’s creations celebrate everyday life as well as special occasions. Anja Boije and Andrea Hostettler have been designing women’s fashion in Bern since 1986 and showing a special flair for proportions. The consistent and timeless collections are produced in eastern Switzerland and Ticino. You can buy them from Wednesday to Saturday afternoon or by appointment at Viento, at Nydeggstalden 24, in Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. Our tip: Go to one of the charming cafés or restaurants on the way to experience the Bernese joie de vivre.

Secondhand Shops:

• the new new Bern, Gesellschaftsstrasse, Bern

• Carla by Caritas, Gerechtigkeitsgasse, Bern

• Courage first in Secondhand, Seftigenstrasse, Bern

• Boxx Second Hand, Hohengasse, Burgdorf

• bella secondhand, Mittelstrasse, Langenthal

• Brocki Laupen, Bahnhofstrasse, Laupen

• Caramel Seconhand, Belpbergstrasse, Belp

The Galerie da Mihi – the former Kunstkeller (art cellar) – has been one of the largest galleries in Bern for over 50 years. This ancient vaulted cellar provides an impressive backdrop for contemporary art. And this isn’t just a «simple» gallery. Barbara Marbot and Hans Ryser, the gallery’s owners, have turned it into a meeting place for art professionals as well as people that want to learn more about art. In addition to the permanent exhibition, you can regularly visit a variety of special exhibitions here. Marbot and Ryser are passionate about contemporary art which is why it always takes centre stage at this gallery. They are also committed to promoting regional artists without focusing on commercial success. You can visit the Galerie da Mihi for free from Thursday to Saturday.

Where to discover street art and try your hands at spraying yourself – legally, of course:

• Bümpliz Unterführung

• Skateranlage Weyermannshaus

• Jugendzentrum NewGraffiti

• Graffitiwände in Burgdorf

Bringing individual ideas together into a collective process to define a common goal: the team workshops at Creaviva are led by experienced artists that will help your team to collaborate in creating a work of art. It’s about stepping out of known structures and experiencing new forms and movements, forming compromises, respect, mutual trust and appreciation. From brush strokes to colour gradients and from straight lines to angular shapes – the teams can explore new paths together and get reacquainted in a creative way. It’s amazing how much you can learn from each other and how naturally participants engage in this environment.

Beautifully green, inside and out. In this light-flooded orangery of a well-preserved villa, with a view of the artfully curved silhouette of the Zentrum Paul Klee, guests will feel like they are in the middle of the jungle. Tables and chairs from the «Brocki» (charity shops) and oh-so-many plants give the room its special charm. From marinated salmon trout from Rubigen to quinoa and chickpea falafel with aquafaba mayo (vegan egg whites) and creamy, dark chocolate mousse: manager Nina Christen and chef Julia Schmid focus on the seasonality and regionality of their ingredients.

Young or young at heart? Moxy in Wankdorf, the up-and-coming, electrifying business district just nine minutes by S-Bahn from Bern main station, boasts smart rooms, furnished in a chic loft style. Have you ever been in a spacious walk-in shower? Guests won’t find a traditional lobby here; check-in happens with a drink in their hand at the bar. This is also the perfect meeting place to unwind in good company. If you prefer to connect online, you can use the hotel’s free Wi-Fi. The Wankdorf Stadium, various shopping facilities, functional conference rooms as well as trendy restaurants are nearby.