Bern Historical Museum

Overview

The Bern Historical Museum, also known as the Bernisches Historisches Museum, is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland. Located in the city of Bern, the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's collections are divided into various sections, each dedicated to a different period or aspect of Swiss history.

A large, stone building with a clock tower in the center. The building is surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

History

The Bern Historical Museum was founded in 1894, with its current building being constructed between 1892 and 1894. The museum was designed by architect André Lambert, who incorporated elements of the Renaissance Revival style into the building's design. Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing collection.

Collections

The museum's collections are divided into several sections, each dedicated to a different period or aspect of Swiss history. These sections include the Prehistory, Ancient History, Middle Ages, Modern Times, and Contemporary History sections. Each section houses a vast array of artifacts, including archaeological finds, historical documents, works of art, and everyday objects from the respective periods.

Prehistory

The Prehistory section of the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. This includes tools, weapons, pottery, jewelry, and other objects that provide insight into the lives of the earliest inhabitants of Switzerland.

Ancient History

The Ancient History section focuses on the period from the Iron Age to the end of the Roman Empire. It houses a vast collection of Roman artifacts, including coins, sculptures, mosaics, and everyday objects.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages section of the museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Early Middle Ages to the end of the Late Middle Ages. This includes weapons, armor, religious artifacts, manuscripts, and everyday objects from the period.

Modern Times

The Modern Times section focuses on the period from the end of the Middle Ages to the present day. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including documents, works of art, clothing, and everyday objects from the period.

Contemporary History

The Contemporary History section of the museum focuses on the period from the end of the World War II to the present day. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, including documents, photographs, audiovisual materials, and everyday objects from the period.

Exhibitions

The Bern Historical Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on a variety of topics related to Swiss history. These exhibitions often feature artifacts from the museum's own collections, as well as loans from other institutions.

Education

The museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and special events. The museum also offers resources for teachers and students, including educational materials and school programs.