When the Paul-Klee-Stiftung [Paul Klee Foundation] was established in 1947, it was not yet clear where it should be housed. Although Bern’s Art Museum naturally hoped for a decision in its favour, the Basel Art Museum and the Kunsthaus in Zurich were also interested. The possibility of setting up a museum specifically for the Paul-Klee-Stiftung was also discussed. One of the Trustees even offered to make his own house available for the purpose.

Max Huggler, Director of Bern’s Art Museum, finally decided the matter for himself. From then on the Foundation was housed at the Art Museum and run by the Director in a joint appointment. Understandably the two institutions developed a close co-operation as a result. While the Art Museum established its international renown with its Klee collection, the Klee Foundation for its part obtained a permanent exhibition area and benefited from the infrastructure of the Museum’s operations.