History of the Museum

There are numerous museums – and they are becoming increasingly more and some of these are pompous buildings, having extensive means at their disposal and display a great deal of self-assertiveness. Others have to be content with less and are constantly struggling to survive. What they all desire and what they all survive on is the public’s interest – the most valuable and increasingly fiercely contested commodity. Is it necessary, is it prudent, to participate in this struggle – particularly as Freemasons, who have always exercised restraint towards publicity?
 
Initially, a small group of enthusiasts set out on the intricate path to establish the first Masonic Museum in Switzerland. They knew that Freemasonry has been and would be under the scrutiny of the public eye, they also realized that this scrutiny couldn’t be ignored at a time when self-interest is in full force. They had to show the public the true concepts of Freemasonry and counterinfluence all derogative speculations and show that there is a need for enlightenment and to appreciate the transcending importance of the Masonic philosophy.
 
If you want to create a museum, you have to choose a location. This was an easy solution for the Masonic Museum Switzerland which is a part of a larger project of the “House of Freemasons Foundation” had already considered the possibility of creating one. By purchasing suitable property on Jupiterstrasse 40 in 3015 Bern, this foundation created the House of Freemasons. The domicile of the Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina (SGLA) has been on the third floor since May 2013. The second floor, a former Swisscom workshop, was predestined for a museum. The construction, operation and development of this was carried out by the Museum Society SGLA, which was constituted in the same year. Thanks to generous donations and loans from Members, Lodges and the SGLA, the readiness of many Masonic collectors and Lodges to donate or loan exhibits, the museum was able to be built, furnished and opened to Freemasons, their families and friends on 21st March 2017 and to the general public on 4th November 2018.
 

Two thirds of the 300 m2 is occupied by an exhibition that introduces visitors to the history of International and Swiss Freemasonry, familiarises them with its intellectual and ritual spheres, and demonstrates the impact of this perpetual, universal Order in numerous areas of public and cultural life. One third of the area is reserved for events and special exhibitions.
 
A tour through the exhibition, which is constructed as a series of enactments which are clearly captioned to enlighten and inspire the layman and the adept a first-hand encounter with Freemasonry, the most important thing being communication. The museum is not only a vibrant and lively place but also a source of qualified information and most especially – a forum for discussion.
 
We hope you will enjoy an instructive and satisfactory visit to our museum!
 
Link to the download of the full History of the Museum – Chronicle Part 1 (PDF)