Zentrum Paul Klee

The intricate and multifaceted nature of German-Swiss artist Paul Klee's work is mirrored in RPBW’s design for the Zentrum. Seamlessly embedded into the rolling hills of the Bernese countryside, the museum harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Its distinctive curved roof, crafted from individually welded long steel beams, underscores the fluidity of its design. Within this structure lies one of the world's most comprehensive monographic collections, dedicated to celebrating the depth and diversity of Paul Klee's artistic legacy.

The architecture of the Zentrum was conceived as a gentle wave contouring the land. It is barely visible from a distance, the curvature of the structure creating three artificial hills containing the exhibition space, a concert hall, a conference centre and a centre for the study, research and promotion of Klee’s works, as well as an interactive museum for children known as Creaviva, which also organises workshops on topics revolving around art. If the artistic themes encompassed by the museum reflect the multidisciplinary talent of the German-Swiss Klee – an artist and teacher with close ties to music and poetry - the design of the building and the physiognomy of its space interpret his passion for harmony of form and the proportions of nature.

Our design for the Zentrum mimics that of a gentle wave, seamlessly contouring the landscape and blending into its surroundings. From a distance, its subtle curvature forms three artificial hills that house a diverse array of spaces: exhibition areas, a concert hall, a conference center, a research hub dedicated to Klee’s work, and Creaviva, an interactive children’s museum offering art-themed workshops. Echoing the multidisciplinary genius of German-Swiss artist Paul Klee—renowned for his ties to music and poetry—the building's design embodies his passion for natural harmony and proportional beauty.

The structure features three rolling “hills” connected by a covered pathway running along the entire western façade. The undulating roof, composed of geometrically complex curves, required individually hand-welded steel beams, resulting in a striking sculptural form that provides a sequence of volumes to house the different functions.

The western façade of the Zentrum, constructed with steel and glass, is equipped with textile sun-shading devices, some fixed and others motorized, that regulate natural light within the building. These devices help maintain the necessary luminosity of 50 to 100 lux to preserve Paul Klee's watercolors, canvases, and drawings. Artificial light is further softened through white screens, ensuring the artwork is displayed in optimal conditions while harmonizing with the museum’s serene and naturalistic setting.