The Grain Hall

The grain hall

A stop on the Berne audio-guided tour, the imposing grain hall, the Kornhaus, was built in the 1710s. Cereals were stored there to form a reserve in case of war or famine. It is considered one of the major works of Bernese Baroque.

Three centuries of functions

The work of the architect Hans Jakob Dunz, the building has had multiple uses over its three hundred years: grain hall, wine cellar, military barracks, then covered market. Today, this historic monument has become a place of meeting, education, culture and gastronomy.

What to see

The hall now houses two restaurants, a library and the Media and Design Forum. At the restaurant, one discovers a spectacular vaulted cellar, a remnant of the former granary. Admire the Baroque facade of this emblematic building in the centre of Berne.

Practical information

The grain hall is in Berne's old town. Days, hours and access conditions to its spaces should be checked depending on the season.

What was the original function of the grain hall ?

To store cereals to form a reserve in case of war or famine.

What does the grain hall hold today ?

Two restaurants, a library and the Media and Design Forum.