Referendum
In September 2025, the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern approved the funding for planning by a large majority. A referendum was subsequently launched against this decision. On 14 June 2026, Bernese voters rejected the funding.
On 10 September 2025, the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern approved the CHF 15.7 million funding for planning for the renovation and renewal project “Kunstmuseum Bern of the future” by a large majority. At the same time, it set a cost ceiling of CHF 81 million for the cantonal contribution to the overall project. A referendum was launched against this decision. On 14 June 2026, the voters of the Canton of Bern rejected the funding with 51.8% voting “No”.
What does this mean for the project?
As a result, the project development work planned for 2026 cannot proceed. Over the coming weeks, the Foundation Kunstmuseum Bern will carefully reassess the situation and determine the next steps. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the need to renovate the Kunstmuseum Bern remains urgent. The structural and operational challenges must be addressed in order to ensure the museum’s operation in the medium term and its preservation in the long term.
