Museum Expansion

The Ulmberg Collection – one of the most important collections of Classical Modernism in Europe

With the private Ulmberg Collection, the Kirchner Museum can enrich its holdings with a high-caliber collection of masterpieces of Classical Modernism and contemporary art, assembled over decades. On one hand, it includes numerous works by artists closely associated with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and the Expressionist movement. In this context, other members of the "Brücke" artist group, as well as Max Beckmann, Lyonel Feininger, and Emil Nolde, should be mentioned. On the other hand, the collection also includes works by leading contemporary artists, such as Francis Bacon, Louise Bourgeois, and Pierre Soulages. Another part of the collection is dedicated to Concrete Art, an important international movement of Modernism that originated in Switzerland and includes works by renowned artists such as Max Bill, Gottfried Honegger, Imi Knoebel, Verena Loewensberg, and Richard Paul Lohse.

The Ulmberg Collection is to be transferred in its entirety as a permanent loan to the Kirchner Museum Davos, making it fully accessible to the public for the first time. Around 100 works are planned to be included in the permanent loan.

The Expansion – Further Development of an Architectural Icon

To present the Ulmberg Collection to the public, an expansion of the building is essential. The existing exhibition spaces and the museum's cultural property protection areas are insufficient to accommodate additional works.

The building, designed and constructed in 1992 by the architectural duo Gigon/Guyer, is an architectural icon with international renown. In the spirit of further development, the architects Gigon/Guyer have been commissioned to create a detailed feasibility study for the expansion.

Continuing the Success Story – A Unique Opportunity

To finance the project, the Kirchner Museum Davos is relying on investment contributions from private donors as well as public support. The Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Foundation, private sponsors, and the World Economic Forum will contribute a total of CHF 7 million to the investment costs. The municipality of Davos will be asked for an investment contribution of CHF 4 million and a loan guarantee of the same amount.

With the unique opportunity to bring the Ulmberg Collection to Davos, a success story can be continued. The expansion offers the chance to secure a leading position among Swiss cultural institutions. This will significantly strengthen Davos as a cultural destination.

The project also offers benefits to the tourism region. The expansion will further enhance Davos’ appeal and improve the destination’s image internationally. In terms of quality and cultural tourism, the expansion sets a forward-looking example.

The project creates added value in various areas: monetary value for tourism and the economy, tangible and intangible value through the collection and construction, and emotional value for society.

The vote on the project in the Grand Council will take place on September 12, 2024. If approved by parliament, a public vote will be held on November 24, 2024. The opening of the expansion is planned for the second half of 2028.

32 years after its opening, the Kirchner Museum Davos faces a significant opportunity to take a substantial step forward in its development.

Please also read the related communiqué by the Municipality of Davos