Psychiatrie‑Museum

About

The Psychiatrie-Museum Bern, located in the historic Pfründerhaus on the Waldau site, offers a compelling journey through the evolution of psychiatric care. From medieval beliefs in demonic possession to the founding of the Waldau asylum in 1749 and its transformation into a modern university clinic, the museum traces the shifting perceptions and practices of mental health treatment. Central to its narrative is the legacy of psychiatrist Walter Morgenthaler, who championed the artistic expression of patients like Adolf Wölfli and preserved valuable clinical artifacts. The museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions draw exclusively from its own collection, providing insight into the history, ethics, and humanity of psychiatry in Switzerland.

Bern Switzerland

Location

The Psychiatrie-Museum Bern is located at Bolligenstrasse 111 in the Waldau area of Bern, Switzerland. The museum is housed in a late baroque building and traces the history of psychiatry from the Middle Ages to the modern University Hospital. It was founded based on the ideas of psychiatrist Walter Morgenthaler and includes a notable collection of art created by patients, notably by Adolf Wölfli, one of the pioneers of art brut. Nearby, the museum is part of the Waldau site, which is known for its historic psychiatric clinic grounds. While in this area, visitors can also enjoy the peaceful environment and explore other locations related to Bern’s medical and cultural heritage. The museum offers an insightful look into the development of psychiatric care and its social context, making it a unique cultural destination amidst Bern’s diverse attractions.