Facing History

About

Facing History in Bern is a groundbreaking exhibition that reimagines classical antiquity through digital innovation and contemporary dialogue. Hosted at the University of Bern’s Collection of Classical Antiquities, it features interactive video projections that bring Greek and Roman sculptures to life. Visitors can engage directly with these “talking statues” using speech recognition and emotion analysis, sparking conversations that bridge ancient mythology with modern social issues. Developed by media artists Frantiček Klossner and Marc-André Gasser, the project explores themes like cultural diversity, gender equality, and digital transformation. By merging archaeology, performance, and technology, Facing History invites reflection on how the past informs our present and future.

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.