Swiss Museum’s Acquisition Grows as Donor’s Unopened Portfolios Reveal Extra Works

The Musée des beaux-arts de La Chaux-de-Fonds in western Switzerland has received a significant boost to its collection following a recent donation by Swiss collector Philippe Bodenmann. Initially believed to include 150 works, the donation was later found to contain 218 pieces after the museum examined unopened portfolios. This discovery came as a surprise to the museum’s director, David Lemaire.

The entire collection is now on display for the first time in the exhibition titled "Voyages en zigzag: La collection de Philippe Bodenmann," which runs from 6 September 2026 to 3 January 2027. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artworks spanning Anglo-American conceptual art, Zurich Concrete art, and the Swiss Neo-Geo scene.

Among the notable artists featured are Joseph Kosuth, Lawrence Weiner, Royden Rabinowitch, Olivier Mosset, Marcia Hafif, and Günther Förg. The collection is particularly strong in British conceptual artists associated with walking as an artistic practice, including Hamish Fulton and Richard Long. It also enhances the museum’s holdings of Zurich Concrete art, a key part of its identity, with several major paintings by Max Bill.

One highlighted piece is Kosuth’s "Intentio (project)," described by Lemaire as a pivotal work marking a shift in scale, colour use, and textual complexity compared to Kosuth’s earlier works. Bodenmann’s gift was made without any conditions, reflecting his longstanding trust in the museum, which he has known for over 40 years. The donor emphasises the importance of presenting the collection as a whole due to its coherence.

This donation not only enriches the museum’s collection but also carries historical significance. It preserves the memory of exhibitions that have shaped the museum over four decades and complements a previous donation by Olivier Mosset. The collection offers a distinct perspective, representing the viewpoint of an art lover rather than an artist, adding depth to the museum’s narrative.

Visitors to the Musée des beaux-arts de La Chaux-de-Fonds can explore this comprehensive collection until early January 2027, gaining insight into key movements and artists in contemporary and conceptual art.