The exhibitions at the Natural History Museum are dedicated to the rock formations, flora, and fauna of Graubünden Canton, with a focus on the biodiversity of the Alpine region. A rich programme of temporary exhibitions, events, and courses introduces visitors to fascinating natural phenomena. Collection work, research, and publications complete the museum services. Some of the most popular exhibits of the museum, like Switzerland's most notable gold discovery or the brown bear "JJ3" who roamed the Swiss mountains in 2007, are integrated into exhibitions on geology or mammal species in Graubünden. Temporary exhibitions complement the varied programme.

The museum takes great care to ensure that the complex ecological contexts are presented in a fashion that speaks to visitors of all ages. There is even a kids' play area for the smallest among them. 

This project was developed by the local and international known streetart artist «Bane» in cooperation with the City of Chur and the Cultural Office of Chur. The Lachen schoolhouse is located in the neighborhood where «Bane» grew up. This was an important project for him, and an opportunity to give something back to the beautiful city in which he was raised.

The extension of 2014-2016 has made the Art Museum Graubünden one of Switzerland's most attractive museums. It is a centre for art in and from Graubünden with international renown. The magnificent historical Villa Planta and the modern extension by Barozzi Veiga come together as a unique architectural unit which by itself is worth a visit.

A home for art in Graubünden

The unique collection comprises some 8,000 works from all strands of art ranging from the 18th century to the present and is exhibited on an area of 1,200 square metres. Among the highlights are works by Chur-born Angelika Kauffmann (1741 - 1807), one of the first female artists to win recognition by the Royal Academy in London. The heart of the collection is the artist family Giacometti, with pieces by the world-famous sculptor Alberto and the two accomplished Swiss painters Giovanni and Augusto. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1180 - 1938) and Swiss Expressionism are represented in the collection with some striking works. More recent and contemporary streams are represented by Matias Spescha (1925 - 2008), Not Vital (*1948) or Hans Danuser (*1953), to give an example.

Special exhibitions

In addition to the permanent exhibition, five to six exhibitions of historical and contemporary art, thematic or monographic in nature, are shown throughout the year. Information on current and future exhibitions can be found at www.buendner-kunstmuseum.ch

A public space where art comes alive

The museum is a space of encounter, where art becomes tangible for everyone thanks to a diverse and varied programme of tours, talks and other events. It is a house with open doors where everyone can feel at home and spend an enjoyable few hours. The art museum Graubünden offers a wide range of art mediation events and services complemented its exhibitions. Public tours, family and kids' events, art mediation for schools and adolescents, exhibition guides, academic publications, catalogues, symposia, artist talks and performances make for an interesting programme. The museum staff engages personally with its visitors to give them the best possible access to art in all its facets.

Museum cafe and bookshop

There is a stylish cafe in the museum, located in the stately conservatory of Villa Planta. During summer, visitors sit outside under a group of old, shady sequoias just off the pedestrian area. The cafe offers fresh, regional cuisine. In the Foyer you will find a well-stocked art book store with a wide selection of exhibition catalogues and art postcards depicting the most famous works from the museum's collection.

The Swiss NEVERCREW continues their tradition of painting meaningful murals that go beyond just being aesthetic. At the first StreetArtFestival.ch in Chur, the duo created their mural «Home Ground». With the local traditions and events playing a fundamental role in their concept, their common bear motif returned in a red and blue base of color. Their use of the symbolic target, again drew a crowd of wonderers and thought provokers. It is therefore about the sharing of natural resources and land between humankind and the other natural beings, about the balance in this cohabitation and about the meaning of borders and ownership if seen from a natural point of view and not perceived only from the human perspective.With their confidence in large spaces, the Montana GOLD and emulsion paint, blended together for a seamless finish. 

With the StreetArtFestival Chur project, the Association for Urban Culture in Graubünden wants to make a new contemporary art form accessible to the public. At the first event in 2018, the mural "Home Ground", a large-scale work of art, was already realised. Further events are in the planning stage.