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Cultural agenda of 2022 – Explore Switzerland’s Museums
View of the 2021 exhibition: An Apple. An Introduction. Photo: David Aebi
A MUSEUM THAT HIGHLIGHTS MODERN ART AND THE WORLD’S OLDEST PANORAMIC PAINTING
“The Art Museum Thun lies in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes, between the mountain destinations Niesen, Stockhorn and Jungfrau in the Bernese Oberland,” says director Helen Hirsch. Opened in 1875, the former grand hotel originally attracted guests from all over the world during the glamorous Belle Époque period and, since 1949, has hosted the Art Museum Thun. Creaking wooden floors, high ceilings, stucco and ceiling frescos – in this unique Art Nouveau atmosphere, the museum presents national and international artists in thematic exhibitions. “These surroundings turn a museum visit into a unique art experience,” says Helen Hirsch. The museum introduces visitors to modern art by offering guided tours, events and workshops. “We want to be a living and colourful museum that connects art with people.” 22 |
Issue 90 |
February 2022
SPECIAL EXHIBITION FOCUSES ON MODERN AMERICAN ARTIST LORNA SIMPSON From May 2022, the next exhibition will centre around Lorna Simpson, one of the most renowned modern artists in the US. Art Museum Thun will show a selection of largescale paintings and sculptures from her Ice series. “The topic of ice encompasses the
Segment of the Thun-Panorama. Photo: Christian Helmle
whole art series and also reveals physical and psychological violence. Simpson not only discusses the powers of nature and trial of strength, but also shows the deep gap within society and its consequences,” museum director Helen Hirsch explains of the artist’s work. In September, the museum will show the first ever Swiss group exhibition of Afghan artists: The Other Kabul – Remains of the Garden.
THUN-PANORAMA: THE OLDEST ROUND PANORAMIC PAINTING IN THE WORLD In addition to special exhibitions, the museum houses a collection of Swiss and regional art, the most important one being the Thun-Panorama (1814) by Marquard Wocher. With a total length of 38 metres, it is the oldest circular painting in the world. It took the artist five years to finish. “It offers a detailed glimpse into living rooms, classrooms and the morning hustle and bustle in the town’s alleys,” says Helen Hirsch. It tells “innumerable stories in one large scenery”.
TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN
The Art Museum Thun, situated in the former Grand Hotel Thunerhof, features various temporary exhibitions of nationally and internationally renowned artists. The Thun-Panorama, as part of the museum’s collection, shows visitors how the city of Thun actually looked 200 years ago.
