About
The private museum was founded by Martha and Peter Cerny, a Swiss-Canadian couple residing in Bern, Switzerland.
In 1994, they embarked on a transformative journey when they acquired a remarkable contemporary Canadian Inuit art collection. What began as a personal passion quickly evolved into a profound commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples from the Arctic regions.
Through careful documentation, they witnessed a burgeoning interest in the Arctic and its Peoples, prompting them to expand their collection beyond Canadian Inuit art to include contemporary circumpolar artworks from various Indigenous communities across the North. This expansion mirrored their deepening understanding of the interconnectedness of Arctic cultures and the significance of their artistic expressions.
Driven by a shared vision to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, Martha and Peter Cerny took a pivotal step by establishing a private museum in Berne, Switzerland. Over the past 25 years, this museum has served as a space for cultural exchange, organising exhibitions both nationally and internationally, and providing a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard and celebrated.
As the museum continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains steadfast in its mission to connect cultures, promote mutual learning, and honor the invaluable contributions of Arctic Indigenous Peoples to our shared global community.