Bernisches Historisches Museum
5 Helvetiaplatz, Bern, Switzerland
This neo-Gothic historical museum resembles a 16th century fortress. The sizeable collection features treasures acquired during Swiss battles with the French in the late 15th century. The hallmark of these is a magnificent series of Flemish tapestries and the original Last Judgment sculptures from the portal at Munster.
Kunsthalle
Helvetiaplatz 1, Bern, Switzerland
View works by contemporary artists at this exhibition hall designed to showcase modern art in a variety of media.
Kunstmuseum
2 Hodlerstrasse, Bern, Switzerland
This fine arts museum features the world's premier collection of works by Switzerland's own 20th century master, Paul Klee. It contains more than 2,000 drawings and a large selection of oil, watercolor, and gouache paintings. The remainder of the museum focuses on 19th and 20th century art, including European masters Cézanne, Renoir, Pissaro, and Bonnard. The museum also features an excellent collection of Swiss and Italian primitives.
Naturhistorisches Museum
15 Bernastrasse, Bern, Switzerland
One of Europe's finest natural history museums, this facility offers four floors with stunning displays of local and exotic wildlife, birds, reptiles, and insects. There are also exhibits featuring gemology, petrogeology, mineralogy, and paleontology. One of the most notable displays is the preserved body of "Barry," one of the 40 St. Bernard dogs who rescued stranded travelers in the Alps.
Schweizerisches Alpines Museum
Helvetiaplatz 4, Bern, Switzerland
This Swiss Alpine Museum documents the history and exploration of the Alps. Topographical maps, interactive booths, and audiovisual displays chronicle the history of mountaineering and include examples of climbing gear and life-saving equipment. Exhibits of art, local lore, and tradition are also featured. A large relief map of the Bernese Oberland can be helpful in orienting yourself if you are heading into the Alps.
Schweizerisches Postmuseum
Bern, Switzerland
This modern facility chronicles the history of the Swiss postal system and telecommunication systems, as well as the history of philately. View displays about early postal institutions and services, including the traveling post office, postal carriages, and the underground postal train. Visitors will enjoy interactive exhibits that allow them to experiment with a variety of communications techniques. Stamp collectors will appreciate the large philatelic display.
