Organizer Information
The opportunity is jointly associated with two major Swiss cultural institutions: the Kunstmuseum Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee, both based in Bern and operating as leading reference points in Switzerland’s contemporary and historical art ecosystem.
The Kunstmuseum Bern is one of the country’s most significant art museums, with a collection spanning from the Late Middle Ages to contemporary art. It has a long institutional history rooted in Enlightenment-era cultural development and is recognized for its curatorial depth, scholarly research, and international partnerships.
The Zentrum Paul Klee, designed by architect Renzo Piano, is an internationally recognized cultural institution dedicated to the life and work of Paul Klee. Beyond its archival and exhibition mandate, it functions as a multidisciplinary cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, educational programming, events, and conferences, positioning itself as a hybrid space for art and public engagement.
The recruitment process is managed by Meister Executive Search AG, a Switzerland-based executive search consultancy specializing in leadership appointments for cultural, academic, and institutional organizations.
Title & Description
Director (m/f/d) – Kunstmuseum Bern & Zentrum Paul Klee
This is a high-level executive leadership role responsible for the strategic, artistic, and operational direction of both the Kunstmuseum Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee. The position is one of the most influential museum leadership appointments in Switzerland, combining curatorial vision with institutional governance and external representation.
The Director is expected to define and implement the long-term artistic and institutional strategy of both museums, ensuring their continued international relevance and cultural impact. This includes overseeing exhibition programming, developing collections, advancing provenance research, and strengthening institutional identity across both organizations.
A central aspect of the role is fostering collaboration with curatorial teams to shape forward-looking exhibition strategies and public programming. The Director also serves as the primary external representative of both institutions, engaging with artists, collectors, patrons, foundations, governmental stakeholders, and international partners.
The position requires a leader capable of balancing artistic integrity with institutional management, while maintaining the visibility and competitiveness of two distinct but complementary cultural institutions.
The Role Overview
- Position: Director / Chief Executive & Artistic Director
- Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
- Contract Type: Permanent leadership appointment (exact contractual framework not publicly specified)
- Salary: Not publicly disclosed; expected to align with senior museum executive compensation standards in Switzerland
- Reporting To: Governing boards and oversight bodies of both institutions
- Key Stakeholders: Curatorial teams, institutional boards, public authorities, sponsors, donors, cultural partners
- Search Process: Managed by external executive search firm Meister Executive Search AG
Position & Tasks
- Overall artistic and operational leadership of both institutions
- Strategic development of exhibition programming across both museums
- Advancement and stewardship of permanent collections
- Leadership of provenance research initiatives in line with international standards
- Institutional strategy development and long-term positioning
- Collaboration with curatorial departments to define programming direction
- Representation of the institutions in national and international contexts
- Development and maintenance of relationships with:
- Artists and cultural practitioners
- Collectors and patrons
- Foundations and sponsors
- Governmental and cultural authorities
- Fundraising, sponsorship acquisition, and stakeholder engagement
- Leadership and management of interdisciplinary teams
- Strengthening the public visibility and institutional brand of both museums
Categories
- Curatorial Leadership
- Museum Studies
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Cultural Management
- Institutional Leadership
- Provenance Research
- Exhibition Development
- Cultural Policy
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- University degree in Art History, Cultural Studies, or a related discipline (PhD preferred)
- Extensive leadership experience in museums or major cultural institutions
- Proven curatorial expertise with international recognition
- Demonstrated experience in institutional strategy and organizational leadership
- Experience with provenance research methodologies and ethical standards
- Strong track record in fundraising, sponsorship, and stakeholder engagement
- High-level communication skills and diplomatic capacity in political and cultural contexts
- Fluency in German and English (mandatory)
- French language skills are considered an asset
- Ability to lead and integrate two institutions with distinct profiles and mandates
- Strong international professional network in the arts and museum sector
Program Benefits
- Leadership of two of Switzerland’s most prominent cultural institutions
- Opportunity to shape international museum discourse and programming
- Access to established institutional networks across Europe and beyond
- High institutional visibility and influence in cultural policy and practice
- Competitive executive-level compensation package (details not publicly disclosed)
- Long-term strategic impact on collections, exhibitions, and institutional identity
- High-quality working environment in Bern, known for its cultural infrastructure and quality of life
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter outlining motivation and leadership vision
- Documentation of professional experience in museum or cultural leadership
- Evidence of curatorial and/or institutional achievements
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Portfolio or selected project references (where applicable)
- References or contact details of professional referees
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted digitally via email: aeschbacher@meister-executive.ch
Subject line must include: “Kunstmuseum Bern – Zentrum Paul Klee”
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 July 2026
- Selection Process: Conducted by a specialist commission (timeline not publicly detailed)
- Notification Date: Not specified
- Start Date: Not specified (to be determined through appointment process)
Location
Bern, Switzerland
Additional Details
This is a rare dual-institution leadership position requiring a hybrid skill set combining curatorial vision, executive governance, financial oversight, and international cultural diplomacy. The Director must operate at both strategic and operational levels, ensuring coherence between two distinct institutional identities while maximizing their collective impact.
The role is especially suited to candidates with experience in large-scale museum systems, international exhibition circuits, and complex institutional governance structures. The position also emphasizes ethical collection management, particularly through provenance research, reflecting increasing global standards in museum accountability.