Klee's Art Finally Finds a Home in Switzerland

The Zentrum Paul Klee in Berne,
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On Monday, the Zentrum Paul Klee opened in Berne. The German painter was refused Swiss citizenship after fleeing from the Nazis, because it was feared that if his art should "take root in Switzerland, it would insult real art and cause good taste to deteriorate."

Sixty-six years later, the work of the painter, now considered one of the greatest modern artists, has found a permanent home in Bern, the Swiss capital that finally accepted him.

"This is a belated reconciliation (of Switzerland) with Klee," says the artist's 65-year old grandson, Alexander Klee.

The Zentrum Paul Klee is much more than a traditional fine arts museum. The Italian architect Renzo Piano's three waves nestling in a landscape sculpture are more of an interdisciplinary cultural centre.

The world's most comprehensive collection of works by Paul Klee will be the mainstay of the museum. Marvel at the life and work of one of the foremost artists of the 20th century and experience Paul Klee's approx. 4,000 paintings, watercolors, drawings, puppets, sketches and other works of his life's work displayed at the Zentrum Paul Klee.