Bern Museum of Psychiatry

The Bern Museum of Psychiatry in Bern, Switzerland, offers an insight into the history of psychiatry, focusing primarily on the period from 1850 to 1950. At its heart lies the internationally significant Morgenthaler Collection, which brings together objects from everyday hospital life and artistic works created by patients (known as 'outsider art' or 'art brut'), including cupboards painted by Adolf Wölfli. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and is undergoing a major reorientation, planning to reopen in a new form in 2030.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60 min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Topic: History
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Entrance fee: 10 CHF
    • Free entrance: No
    • Price range: $

Opening hours

Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
14:00-17:00
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
14:00-17:00
Sunday
14:00-17:00

Admission fees

10 CHF
Adult admission
5 CHF
School students, university students and pensioners
150 CHF
Guided tour
100 CHF
Guided tour for school groups

Contact

Webpage
psychiatrie-museum.ch
Email
info@psychiatrie-museum.ch
Address
Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern

Access

Nearby stops

  • Ostermundigen, Kreuzweg350 meters walking distance
  • Ittigen bei Bern1300 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Bern
8m
Thun
35m
Olten
42m
Neuchâtel
1h 15m
Zürich HB
1h 21m

FAQ

  • Are the audio guide texts available in multiple languages?
    Yes, the in-depth texts and listening points of the permanent exhibition are available in German, French and English. You can listen to them on your smartphone; ideally bring your own headphones.
  • Can groups visit the museum outside the regular opening hours?
    Yes, guided tours and visits outside the official opening hours for groups are available by appointment. You can arrange this by emailing info@psychiatrie-museum.ch.
  • Is the museum undergoing any major changes?
    Yes, the museum is undergoing a major transformation. Following a participatory process, it has developed a new vision and is due to reopen in a new form in 2030. Until then, the permanent exhibition remains largely unchanged.
  • Is the psychiatric site open to the public?
    Yes, the site on which the museum stands is open to the public. From 2027, the museum plans to offer guided tours and other activities on the site.

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