Swiss Museum Discovers 68 Extra Works in Bodenmann Donation, Expanding Exhibition

The Musée des beaux-arts de La Chaux-de-Fonds in western Switzerland recently received a donation from Swiss collector Philippe Bodenmann. Initially, the museum believed the gift included 150 works. However, after examining unopened portfolios from the donation, the museum’s director, David Lemaire, announced that the actual number of works was 218. This unexpected increase has been described by Lemaire as “a pleasant surprise.”

For the first time, Bodenmann’s collection is being exhibited in its entirety at the museum. The exhibition, titled "Voyages en zigzag: La collection de Philippe Bodenmann," runs until 3 January 2027. This show brings together a wide range of works that span several important movements in contemporary art, including Anglo-American conceptual art, Zurich Concrete art, and the Swiss Neo-Geo scene.

The collection features works by several notable artists. Among them are Joseph Kosuth, Lawrence Weiner, and Royden Rabinowitch, all of whom are associated with conceptual art. The collection also includes works by Olivier Mosset, Marcia Hafif, and Günther Förg, artists known for their contributions to various modern art movements.

A particular strength of the Bodenmann collection is its focus on British conceptual artists who use walking as an artistic practice. Notably, the collection includes works by Hamish Fulton and Richard Long, both of whom are recognised for their exploration of walking as a form of art.

The donation also bolsters the museum’s holdings of Zurich Concrete art. This movement is a historically significant part of the museum’s identity. The collection includes several major paintings by Max Bill, a key figure in Zurich Concrete art, further enhancing the museum’s representation of this genre.

Philippe Bodenmann placed no conditions on his gift to the museum. According to Lemaire, this act demonstrates Bodenmann’s great trust in the institution, which he has known for more than forty years. The collector also emphasised the importance of keeping the collection together due to its coherence.

The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view a comprehensive selection of works that reflect important trends and artists in conceptual and concrete art. The inclusion of additional works discovered in the unopened portfolios has expanded the scope of the exhibition, allowing for a broader presentation of the artistic movements represented in Bodenmann’s collection.