Zentrum Paul Klee

Zentrum Paul Klee

The Zentrum Paul Klee is located in the eastern suburbs of Bern, Switzerland. Established in 2005 to commemorate one of the most important artists of the 20th century — Paul Klee (1879–1940) — and his remarkable body of work, it houses the world’s most extensive collection of Klee’s artworks.

The building housing the Zentrum Paul Klee was designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. The structure itself is a work of art, with a striking wave-like form. Half of the building is embedded into the gently sloping terrain, while the other half features a dynamic, undulating facade that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The architectural details showcase high-tech design, though in a more restrained manner compared to his other famous work, the Centre Pompidou. The center consists of three steel-and-glass structures that house an art museum, a concert hall, a children’s museum, and conference rooms.

The art museum within the Zentrum Paul Klee holds approximately 4,000 paintings, representing 40% of Paul Klee’s entire life’s work — the largest collection of its kind in the world. Klee’s artworks are regularly rotated and displayed according to newly curated themes, with each exhibition featuring 120 to 150 carefully selected masterpieces. In addition to visual art exhibitions, the Zentrum Paul Klee also provides a platform for music, theater, dance, and literature.

Zentrum Paul Klee

Must-visit reason: The world’s most comprehensive collection of Paul Klee’s works

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Switzerland[Switzerland]

Province/State: Canton of Bern [Canton of Bern]

City: Bern [Bern]