The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art

About

The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA) in Bern offers a compelling window into the artistic voices of the Arctic. Home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of contemporary circumpolar art, MCCA showcases works from Indigenous communities across the Far North, including Inuit artists and creators from both sides of the Bering Strait. Through sculpture, painting, photography, and multimedia installations, the museum explores themes of environmental change, spirituality, colonial legacies, and cultural resilience. Each piece reflects the deep connection between Arctic peoples and their land, traditions, and evolving realities. More than a museum, MCCA is a platform for dialogue and understanding, inviting visitors to engage with the urgent stories of climate crisis and cultural preservation through the powerful lens of art.

Bern Switzerland

Location

The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA) is located at Stadtbachstrasse 8A, 3012 Bern, Switzerland, in the heart of the city. This unique and minimalist museum houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of contemporary art from circumpolar regions, with works primarily by Canadian Inuit and Siberian artists. Here, visitors encounter art deeply inspired by northern environments, nature, traditions, and shamanism, crafted from materials such as stone, whalebone, and mammoth tusk. The MCCA not only explores themes of community, spirituality, and the colonial past but also addresses modern-day topics like environmental change and its impact on Arctic cultures. Located close to central Bern, the museum is a short distance from the historical old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as other cultural highlights like the Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts), the Zentrum Paul Klee, the Swiss Alpine Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Parliament Building. Public transit options and local shops provide convenient access, making it an ideal stop for those looking to experience both contemporary art and the vibrant atmosphere of Bern’s city centre.