Our present exhibition

“Paradise Lost?”

Today’s ecological issues and the Robert family of painters

The Foundation’s exhibition in Museum Neuhaus, Biel, shows that the world of animals and plants has changed crucially since the area’s renowned artists of the Robert family painted their delightful watercolours of nature.  These painters were nature conservationists even before this became a topical theme in the 20^th century. In this special exhibition, their art stimulates you to think about what is happening to the environment – but also to gaze in fascination at the wonders of nature.

The absorbing and varied exhibition – with photographs, texts, plans, original taxidermy, art and videos – takes you on a scientific and artistic journey of discovery through various natural habitats. One of the highlights is the “Robert Cabinet” of art by Léo-Paul and Paul-André Robert (1851-1923 and 1901-1977): together father and son created an incomparable work – an illustrated compendium of the birds of their region. The published paintings are important historical and scientific documents – an archive of incalculable value to ornithologists.

Numerous specialists contributed their knowledge to the exhibition. So there is much for visitors to discover: for example, why dragonflies are natural guardians of an almost vanished paradise, why horse-flies may be described as friendly rather than bloodthirsty, and why there are still so many may-bugs. Participants include, among others, the Swiss Centre for Ornithology (Sempach), the Papiliorama, the Neuchâtel Museum of Natural History and the region’s Biotopverbund Grosses Moos (Environmental Association for the Great Wetland). The exhibition is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU).

Without pointing an admonitory finger, the exhibition shows how vital it is to take care of nature. At the heart of the exhibition is a space to dream and be astonished, because it is through the senses that your relationship to nature can be kept or revived. Here some wonders of nature are presented like gems.

The exhibition is a highlight from the 25^th anniversary year (2007) of the Robert Collection and its original museum -- but it also opens up glimpses fo the future.

Address: Musée Museum Neuhaus, Schüsspromenade 26, CH-2501 Biel-Bienne

Tel 0041 (0) 32 328 70 30/31 Fax 0041 (0) 32 328 70 35

Opening  times: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 to 17:00, Wednesday 11:00 to 19:00.

Further information: www.mn-biel.ch