Fondation Beyeler, one of Switzerland’s leading modern and contemporary art institutions, has created the first-ever botanical curator position, supported by the Chanel Culture Fund. The initiative marks a pioneering approach that integrates nature as a central part of the museum’s curatorial practice rather than a mere backdrop. Located in Riehen near Basel, the museum is renowned not only for its art collection but also for its scenic setting of centuries-old trees, mossy ponds, and surrounding meadows and vineyards.
Art, Ecology, and a New Curatorial Model
Rahel Kesselring, a researcher at Humboldt University in Berlin specializing in regeneration and rewilding practices in contemporary art, will take on the role. Her responsibilities include developing conservation plans for the museum’s flora and fauna, collaborating with artists, scientists, and the museum’s education team, and creating public programs centered on ecology and sustainability. Sam Keller, director of Fondation Beyeler, emphasized that this position reflects the museum’s philosophy: nature is a living, active part of the institution’s mission.
Fondation Beyeler has a long history of engaging with nature through site-specific projects, from Christo’s wrapping of 178 trees to Olafur Eliasson’s immersive pond installation. With Kesselring’s appointment, the museum formalizes its commitment to treating the landscape itself as a dynamic exhibition space.
The Chanel Culture Fund, established five years ago, supports long-term, transformative cultural projects around the world. By backing Fondation Beyeler’s botanical curator, Chanel continues its focus on initiatives that expand the impact of art and culture beyond traditional gallery walls. This collaboration not only strengthens the dialogue between art and nature but also provides a model for museums to integrate ecological stewardship into curatorial practice.
