SAMMLUNG

Following ‘Versammlung’ (Assembly), ‘Liaisons-Collections I and II’ and ‘Gesammelte Landschaften’ (Collected Landscapes), the museum’s ‘Sammlung’ (Collection) exhibition presents a varied cross-section of its holdings. Compared to other cities, Thun began building up an art collection relatively late, and the museum itself was not founded until the 1940s. Nevertheless, there is no need to shy away from comparison with other institutions. Despite a few inevitable gaps, ‘Sammlung’ offers the opportunity to trace the most important art movements of the 20th century through the museum’s holdings. The journey through Swiss art ranges from Cubism and Expressionism via Surrealism to Pop Art. In recent years, the acquisitions committee has also increasingly focused on contemporary works, steering the collection towards the future. The exhibition thus presents an exciting selection of current works.

The art museum collects on behalf of the public; consequently, collecting cannot simply mean filling the storeroom, but rather making the collection visible. It is only through engagement with the public, through examination and comparison, and through dialogue with other works of art that the significance of the works can be revealed.
A glance at the exhibition illustrates the importance of continuous collecting. This continuity is also made possible by the great commitment of private collectors, to whom the museum owes its loans and donations. Of particular importance is the Friends of the Kunstmuseum Thun, who have supported the museum for over 40 years and enriched the collection with key acquisitions.