Kunsthaus Zürich Receives CHF 30M Endowment from Haefner Foundation for Major Exhibitions
On May 12, 2025, Kunsthaus Zürich announced a landmark endowment from Marianne and Martin Haefner, who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new foundation dedicated to funding major temporary exhibitions. The 'Förderstiftung für bedeutende Ausstellungen des Kunsthauses Zürich' (Foundation for Major Exhibitions at the Kunsthaus Zürich) will be endowed with an initial CHF 30 million. The permanent capital, supplemented by investment returns and contributions from additional patrons, is designed to sustainably finance at least one internationally significant solo exhibition per year. The foundation is set to be formally established in the course of 2025, with Marianne Haefner as a designated board member.
The Signal
The endowment model is rare in Switzerland and positions Kunsthaus Zürich alongside institutions like the Louvre that benefit from similar structures. Philipp Hildebrand, President of the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft, framed the gift as an exemplary model of long-term private cultural support that strengthens the museum's public-private partnership. Director Ann Demeester noted that the fund provides the confidence and resources to think ambitiously about exhibition programming. For collectors and institutions, this signals a strategic commitment to maintaining Zürich's status as a destination for world-class art exhibitions, insulated from annual budget constraints.
- People: Marianne Haefner, Martin Haefner, Philipp Hildebrand, Ann Demeester
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
- Locations: Zurich
- Prices: CHF 30 million
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