In the heart of Bienne, Switzerland, nestled between the scenic Promenade de la Suze and the bustling Faubourg du Lac, lies a cultural gem that beckons history buffs, art aficionados, and curious minds alike—the New Museum Biel (Neues Museum Biel). This fascinating institution, born from the 2012 merger of the Schwab Museum and the Neuhaus Museum, offers a rich tapestry of history, art, and archaeology that promises to captivate and educate visitors of all ages.
The inception of the New Museum Biel was a visionary project initiated by the city authorities of Bienne in 2001. The goal was to unite the extensive collections of the Schwab Museum and the Neuhaus Museum under one roof, creating a comprehensive cultural institution. This ambitious endeavor came to fruition in October 2012, when the New Museum Biel was officially inaugurated. The museum is managed by the Charles Neuhaus Foundation and receives funding from the city of Bienne, the canton of Bern, and the Regional Cultural Conference of Bienne.
The New Museum Biel is housed in two historic buildings, the Neuhaus and Schwab buildings, which are seamlessly connected by a newly designed reception area. This welcoming space, located between the Promenade de la Suze and the Faubourg du Lac, features a ticket counter, a museum shop, and a cozy café where visitors can relax and reflect on their museum experience. The Schwab building, once home to the permanent archaeology exhibition, now hosts large temporary exhibitions spanning history, art, and archaeology. Meanwhile, the Neuhaus building showcases the permanent archaeological collection, offering a deep dive into the region's ancient past.
The New Museum Biel's interdisciplinary approach brings together a diverse array of collections, making it a treasure trove of historical artifacts, artistic masterpieces, and archaeological wonders. Let's embark on a journey through some of the museum's most notable collections:
The archaeological collection is a highlight of the New Museum Biel, featuring artifacts donated by Friedrich Schwab in the mid-19th century. These items, collected from the lakes of Bienne, Neuchâtel, and Morat, span the Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. Visitors can marvel at ancient pottery, tools, and other relics that offer a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants of the region.
This collection is divided into two intriguing sub-collections. The first focuses on the history of everyday life, featuring furniture, household utensils, textiles, and linens from the estate of Dora Neuhaus. The second sub-collection delves into the industrial history of Bienne, with a particular emphasis on the city's renowned watchmaking industry. From intricate timepieces to machinery used in watch production, this collection provides a fascinating look at the evolution of Bienne's industrial landscape.
Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the New Museum Biel's collection of regional art, which includes paintings and engravings by local artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. This collection continues the legacy of the Schwab Museum, showcasing the artistic talent and creativity that has flourished in the region over the years.
The Robert Foundation Collection is a veritable treasure trove of over 3,000 works by the Robert family of painters, including Léo-Paul Robert, Paul-André Robert, and Philippe Robert. The New Museum Biel is entrusted with the conservation and presentation of this remarkable collection, which offers a comprehensive overview of the Robert family's artistic contributions.
This collection features works by the painter Karl Walser, including paintings, sketches, and watercolors. It provides an intimate look at the artistic journey of Karl Walser and his contributions to the world of art.
Film buffs will find the W. Piassio Cine-Collection particularly intriguing. This collection, acquired by the city of Bienne in 1987, documents the evolution of cinema from its inception to the modern era. It includes a variety of film-related artifacts, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of the silver screen.
The New Museum Biel is known for its engaging temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics. Some notable past exhibitions include Écrasée, laminée: 360 Years of Wire Drawing History in Bienne (2013), At Bienne's Bedside: The Doctor's Visit in 1850 (2015), Microsculpture: Levon Biss - Photographs of Insects (2017), and We, Seasonal Workers... 1931-2022 (2023). These exhibitions offer fresh perspectives and new insights into various aspects of history, art, and science.
The New Museum Biel also features several permanent exhibitions that delve into the rich cultural heritage of the region. These include displays on Bienne as a watchmaking and industrial city, the life and career of painter Karl Walser, bourgeois life in the 19th century, the archaeological history of the region, and the Jorat region. A renewal project for the permanent exhibition is currently underway, aiming to present the collections in a more interdisciplinary and participatory manner.
In conclusion, the New Museum Biel is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and archaeology. Its diverse collections, engaging exhibitions, and beautiful setting make it a cultural hub that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Bienne, a trip to the New Museum Biel promises to be an enriching and unforgettable experience.
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