How the decision was reached

Spring-autumn 1998:
Metron AG assesses potential sites in the city centre (study).

Summer-autumn 1998:
City Planning Office of the City of Bern assesses the Schöngrün site (study).

3 November 1998:
The decision is made in favour of the Schöngrün site. This means accepting the generous gift from Professor Maurice E. Müller and his wife Martha Müller-Lüthi.

November 1998:
The Maurice E. and Martha Müller Foundation is established for the purposes of building a Paul Klee Centre at Schöngrün.

Deciding factors

The results of both the studies mentioned above clearly show that:

Both the city centre (Klee-Platz option) and Schöngrün could house a Zentrum Paul Klee of international renown that is attractive in terms of both architecture and town planning.

Both sites could be used for a new building.

The city centre option has the advantage of being close to Bern’s Art Museum.

With the Schöngrün option the attractive landscape can be incorporated in the design (park/local recreation area).

After an in-depth comparison of the key aspects of the two site options, the public sector authorities ultimately decided in favour of the Schöngrün site.