Kunsthalle Bern Reopens with New Space and Vision Under Director iLiana Fokianaki
The Kunsthalle Bern has reopened after a renovation project that included a new exit designed by studio ALIAS, based on an unbuilt 1917 sketch. Director iLiana Fokianaki outlines a six-year plan focused on accessibility, social and ecological justice, and a 'permacultural' coexistence. The reopening features three exhibitions: a retrospective of Melvin Edwards addressing race, labor, and violence; the first Swiss solo show of Tuli Mekondjo, which critiques colonial-era looting of cultural objects from Namibia; and a new series called RESPONSES with Tschabalala Self. Future collaborations include partnerships with Fridericianum in Kassel and Palais de Tokyo in Paris, as well as institutions in China, Brazil, and Italy. Upcoming solo shows in September 2025 feature Sung Tieu and Gala Porras-Kim, both addressing extraction and resource imbalance.
Key facts
- Kunsthalle Bern reopened after renovation with a new exit by studio ALIAS.
- The exit design was inspired by an unbuilt 1917 sketch.
- iLiana Fokianaki has been director since 2023.
- The institution plans a six-year program focused on accessibility and social-ecological justice.
- Melvin Edwards retrospective addresses race, labor, and violence.
- Tuli Mekondjo's first Swiss solo show critiques colonial looting from Namibia.
- Tschabalala Self is part of the new RESPONSES series.
- Future collaborations include Fridericianum, Palais de Tokyo, and institutions in China, Brazil, Italy.
- Sung Tieu and Gala Porras-Kim will have solo shows in September 2025.
- Tieu represents Germany at the 2026 Venice Biennale with Henrike Naumann.
Entities
Artists
- iLiana Fokianaki
- Melvin Edwards
- Tuli Mekondjo
- Tschabalala Self
- Sung Tieu
- Gala Porras-Kim
- Henrike Naumann
Institutions
- Kunsthalle Bern
- ALIAS
- Fridericianum
- Palais de Tokyo
- Sprüth Magers
- Artribune
Locations
- Bern
- Switzerland
- Kassel
- Paris
- China
- Brazil
- Italy
- Namibia
- Germany
- United States