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Zentrum Paul Klee
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · CH

Zentrum Paul Klee

Getting around: Zentrum Paul Klee is on the eastern outskirts of Bern, about a 15-20 minute bus ride (line 12) from the city center, or a short drive; it's a bit too far from the old city for a comfortable walk.
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays.

Zentrum Paul Klee is a museum dedicated to the Swiss-German painter Paul Klee, housed in a distinctive undulating steel building by Renzo Piano set into farmland on the edge of Bern. It holds the largest collection of Klee's work anywhere — around 4,000 pieces, rotated through changing displays since only a fraction can be shown at once — spanning his full career from early graphic work through his Bauhaus years to his late, more expressive paintings.

The building itself, with its three rolling steel-and-glass waves rising out of the landscape, is as much a reason to visit as the collection; it also includes a children's museum (Creaviva) with hands-on art activities, making it a workable stop for families as well as art specialists.

Zentrum Paul Klee FAQs

How long does a visit take?

1.5-2 hours for the main galleries, longer if visiting with kids at the Creaviva children's museum.

Is it easy to reach without a car?

Yes, bus line 12 runs from central Bern directly to the museum in around 15-20 minutes.

Do I need to know Klee's work beforehand?

No, the museum provides good context throughout, though fans of his work will get the most out of the depth of the collection.

Is the whole collection on display at once?

No — only a portion of the roughly 4,000 works is shown at any time, with rotating displays.

Is it good for families?

Yes, the Creaviva children's museum offers hands-on art activities alongside the main galleries.

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