Foundation Ballenberg
The Swiss Open-Air Museum is structured as a foundation, established in 1968 and currently listed in the commercial register under “Stiftung Ballenberg” (“Ballenberg Foundation”). Its main tasks include operating Switzerland’s only open-air museum and running the Ballenberg Course Centre.
Foundation Ballenberg – Purpose and objective
The foundation’s purpose is to operate and expand Switzerland’s only open-air museum, while paying heed to the natural landscape of Ballenberg. As a matter of principle, it complies with the statutes of the ICOM (International Council of Museums) and the Association of European Open Air Museums. Furthermore, it backs and encourages endeavours that further the goals of the open-air museum by supporting its course centre.
The Swiss Open-Air Museum is a scientifically grounded institution that conveys and conserves traditional Swiss culture. It strives to collect, research and preserve traditional rural buildings from every part of Switzerland, along with their typical living and working arrangements. Ultimately, its aim is to offer an authentic insight into how people lived, socialised and did business in the past as farmers, craftspeople and tradespeople.
The open-air museum and course centre are intended to serve as a lively cultural hub, offering events such as presentations, conferences, seminars, courses and camps, plus exhibitions, cultural communication and publications.
The foundation also funds contemporary arts and crafts and explores questions relating to ethnology and monument conservation.
The open-air museum, course centre and foundation collaborate with organisations working in related fields within Switzerland and abroad, and support efforts to disseminate information on the various topics with which the museum engages.
The foundation plays a role in educating young people and adults alike.
Foundation Ballenberg – Foundation Board
Its board of trustees consists of at least seven and no more than 13 people. In line with the foundation’s purpose, its members include delegates from corporate bodies and experts in the field.
Statutes and Annual Reports
The statutes and annual reports of the Ballenberg Foundation are available in German and French.
Annual Reports Foundation Ballenberg (Open-Air Museum & Course centre)
Annual Reports Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg
Statutes Ballenberg Foundation
Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum
Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Opening hours
10 April to 2 November 2025
10 am to 5 pm daily
