The Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern has concluded its highly anticipated exhibition on Le Corbusier, attracting an impressive 61,000 visitors during its four-month run. The show, which explored the influential Swiss-French architect's multifaceted relationship with visual arts, exceeded attendance projections by nearly 20 percent, establishing it as one of the museum's most successful temporary exhibitions in recent years. Museum director Nina Zimmer attributed the strong turnout to renewed public interest in modernist architecture and the unique curatorial approach that connected Le Corbusier's built work with his paintings, drawings, and personal collection of Paul Klee's art.
Designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2005, the Zentrum Paul Klee houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the Swiss-German artist Paul Klee, with over 4,000 pieces in its permanent holdings. The museum's undulating steel-and-glass structure mirrors the rolling landscape outside Bern, creating an ideal setting for exploring connections between different artistic disciplines. The Le Corbusier exhibition marked the first major show to examine how the architect's architectural philosophy intersected with his passion for painting and his admiration for Klee's innovative use of color and form. This thematic focus distinguished it from typical architectural retrospectives and drew visitors from across Europe.
Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret in 1887 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, revolutionized 20th-century architecture through his Five Points of Architecture and influential urban planning concepts. Less known to the public is his daily practice of painting, which he considered equally important to his architectural work. The exhibition presented over 200 works, including previously unseen architectural drawings, vibrant paintings, and personal correspondence with Paul Klee. Curators highlighted how both artists explored similar themes of proportion, rhythm, and spiritual expression, though through different mediums. A particularly compelling section displayed Le Corbusier's own collection of 17 Klee works, which hung in his Paris apartment and studio for decades.
The show's layout followed a chronological and thematic path, beginning with Le Corbusier's early years in Switzerland and his formative travels through Europe. Visitors encountered large-scale models of iconic projects like the Villa Savoye and the Unité d'Habitation alongside the architect's corresponding paintings from the same periods. Interactive displays allowed guests to explore Le Corbusier's modular system and color theories, which directly influenced his architectural palette. The exhibition also addressed controversial aspects of his legacy, including his association with authoritarian regimes and the social impact of his urban planning visions, presenting a nuanced portrait of the complex figure that sparked considerable discussion among attendees.
Educational programming contributed significantly to the exhibition's success, with the museum offering over 50 guided tours, lectures, and workshops for diverse age groups. School groups from across Switzerland participated in architecture-themed activities, while evening lectures by prominent scholars drew standing-room-only crowds. The museum's digital app provided augmented reality features that overlaid Le Corbusier's architectural drawings onto visitors' views of the gallery spaces, creating an immersive learning experience. This combination of traditional and innovative engagement strategies helped attract both architecture specialists and general audiences, with visitor surveys indicating high satisfaction rates.
The exhibition's strong performance has encouraged Zentrum Paul Klee to plan future shows exploring intersections between visual arts and architecture. A forthcoming exhibition on contemporary Japanese architects and their artistic influences is already scheduled for next year. The museum's ability to draw connections across disciplines continues to resonate with visitors seeking deeper understanding of creative processes. As the final crowds departed, museum officials expressed satisfaction that Le Corbusier's legacy had been presented in a fresh context that highlighted his enduring influence on how we live, work, and create in the modern world, while strengthening the institution's reputation as a leading venue for interdisciplinary cultural exploration.
