Mission statement
The Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg – the only Open-Air Museum in Switzerland – makes the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of rural and commercial Switzerland accessible and come alive using all the senses.
Our mission
We conserve, research and communicate the history, way of life, living situations, working lives and skilled craftsmanship of the Swiss people. In doing so, we act as a bridge between the past and the future as well as between the different regions and areas. We promote and encourage both laypersons and professionals to try out and learn traditional craft techniques.
What we do
We tell the stories of people living in rural and commercial Switzerland and make them come alive, by communicating through architecture, crafts and way of life, highlighting the rural economy and cultivating the cultural landscape. We are a lively, cultural centre with exhibitions, events, courses, guided tours, demonstrations and publications.
How we work
- We acquire, conserve, research and communicate according to scientific principles and work goal and success oriented, consistently following business management principles.
- We look for partners and realize strategic cooperation.
- We are performance-oriented and open to new ideas.
- We are a team of specialists, helpful, and work with a view to the big picture.
Further documents
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
