Bern Historical Museum
The Bern Historical Museum opened its doors in 1894 under the direction of architect André Lambert. This Neuchâtel native designed the building to resemble historic castles from the 15th and 16th centuries. The city of Zurich had originally been selected to host the Swiss National Museum instead. Lambert drew inspiration from various medieval fortifications to create a structure that felt ancient yet functional for a new national institution. An extension to this original museum building was completed much later, in 2009.
Permanent displays within the museum span from prehistoric times all the way to the present day. Visitors can view artifacts collected from Asia, Oceania, America, and Egypt alongside local history. One notable treasure is a group of six Gallo-Roman bronze figurines known as the Muri statuette group. Another significant item includes tapestries and other loot taken from the camp of Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy after his defeat at the Battle of Nancy in 1477. A mummified head of a man who lived in Egypt during the first or early second century BC also resides here.
For over a century, a specific arrowhead sat quietly in storage without anyone knowing its true nature. Researchers finally determined in 2023 that the Moringen arrowhead was of meteoric origin. This scientific finding came long after the object had already been part of the collection. The discovery added a layer of cosmic history to the terrestrial timeline preserved inside the museum walls. It remains one of the most remarkable items currently held by the institution.
Albert Einstein developed the Relativity Theory while living in Bern during a specific period of his life. First conceived as a temporary exhibition in 2005, this space eventually became a dedicated museum for his work. The house where he lived, called the Einsteinhaus, is located elsewhere in the city and charges separate entry fees. Visitors can explore the permanent exhibit within the main historical building while accessing the private residence separately. The initiative highlights the deep connection between the scientist and the Swiss capital.
In 2019, the museum joined six similar institutions across Germany, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom. They formed the international Multaka network to foster intercultural dialogue through guided tours. Specially trained Arabic-speaking guides offer these tours completely free of charge to refugees and migrants. Discussions focus on the historical origins and acquisition of cultural objects found within the galleries. These visitor-centered conversations allow participants to share their own understanding of their country's cultural heritage alongside the exhibits.
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Common questions
When did the Bern Historical Museum open its doors?
The Bern Historical Museum opened its doors in 1894 under the direction of architect André Lambert. This Neuchâtel native designed the building to resemble historic castles from the 15th and 16th centuries.
What is the significance of the Moringen arrowhead found at the Bern Historical Museum?
Researchers determined in 2023 that the Moringen arrowhead was of meteoric origin after it sat quietly in storage for over a century. This scientific finding added a layer of cosmic history to the terrestrial timeline preserved inside the museum walls.
Where can visitors find information about Albert Einstein's time in Bern?
Visitors can explore the permanent exhibit on Relativity Theory within the main historical building while accessing the private residence separately. The house where he lived, called the Einsteinhaus, is located elsewhere in the city and charges separate entry fees.
Which countries joined the Bern Historical Museum in the Multaka network in 2019?
In 2019, the museum joined six similar institutions across Germany, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom. They formed the international Multaka network to foster intercultural dialogue through guided tours.
What notable artifacts are displayed at the Bern Historical Museum?
Permanent displays include a group of six Gallo-Roman bronze figurines known as the Muri statuette group and tapestries taken from the camp of Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy after his defeat at the Battle of Nancy in 1477. A mummified head of a man who lived in Egypt during the first or early second century BC also resides here.