Altenbergrain 21
3013 Bern
Botanischer Garten der Universität Bern
Architecture X BOGA
Planning and execution
1789–1859: various precursors to the present-day garden
1859–1862: construction of a new botanical garden at its current location (Friedrich Salvisberg)
1969–1972: Construction of the three new display greenhouses (Kissling & Kiener)
1976: Opening to the public
2015–2021: Maintenance work and renovation of the main building (W2H Architekten)
2019–2022: Renovation of the display greenhouses (Suter + Partner AG)
Architects
Client
AGG Office for Land and Buildings, Canton of Bern
Description
The history of the Botanical Garden mentions several previous sites; the current grounds in Rabbental were established around 1860–62. This site was chosen because it had recently been sheltered from the wind by the massive embankment of the first railway bridge, the ‘Red Bridge’. Even back then, large-scale infrastructure projects apparently created favourable conditions for the growth of rare and delicate vegetation, such as that found today on motorway embankments and industrial wastelands.
The history of modern architecture is inextricably linked to the development of the building materials steel and glass around the mid-19th century. Thanks to their specific requirements, greenhouses were among the first structures on which these new materials and the associated construction methods could be tested, and they remain widely used to this day.
Between 1969 and 1972, the architects Kissling & Kiener constructed the new display greenhouses. Compared to the four oldest surviving greenhouses, the immense progress that building technology had made with similar materials within a century is strikingly evident. Here, concrete demonstrates its potential as a sculptural building material in the subtly terraced complex; glass is now used in huge panels. The complex, which can be explored on various levels and features intimate retreats, is universally appreciated.
Visits and guided tours
Type of visit: Guided group tours and self-guided visits
Booking: Required
Group size: maximum 20 people
Meeting point: In front of the Palm House
Info: The exhibition greenhouses are open to the public from 08:00 to 17:00. The outdoor area is open for longer (current opening hours on the website). Additional guided tours at the times indicated. The Cafébar
Fleuri is open in fine weather.
Free visits
Saturday, 08:00-17:00
Guided Tours
Saturday, 10:00-10:45 - Guided tours by architecture students of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH
Saturday, 12:00-12:45 - Guided tours by architecture students of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH
Saturday, 14:00-14:45 - Guided tours by architecture students of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH
Directions
Bus no. 20 to "Gewerbeschule"
Meeting point: Palmenhaus
Location
Altenbergrain 21
3013 Bern