The Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art (MCCA) in Bern, Switzerland, is a space for contemporary art from the Far North and Arctic voices. 

The MCCA was founded by Martha and Peter Cerny, a Swiss-Canadian couple. Their journey began in 1994 with the acquisition of a remarkable contemporary Canadian Inuit art collection in Switzerland, igniting a passion that would evolve into a commitment to Arctic cultural heritage.

While documenting the Canadian collection, the opportunity arose to expand beyond the Canadian Arctic, prompting a broader focus that included contemporary works from diverse Indigenous communities across the circumpolar North. This development allowed the collection to grow, reflecting the deep 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 took a pivotal step by establishing a private museum in Bern, Switzerland.  

Over the past 15 years, this museum has served as a space for cultural exchange, organizing exhibitions both nationally and internationally, and providing a platform for Arctic voices to be heard and celebrated.

Through its activities, the MCCA:

• fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation
• promotes awareness of Arctic cultures and challenges
• supports Indigenous artists and their communities
• facilitates dialogue between the Arctic and the broader world
• addresses critical issues such as climate change and sustainable Arctic development

As we continue to evolve and expand our reach, we remain steadfast in our mission to connect cultures, promote mutual learning, and honour the invaluable contributions of Arctic voices to our shared global community.