Hidden behind an orange facade and red front door in a quiet residential neighborhood of Ostermundigen, near Bern, Switzerland, lies an extraordinary art exhibition. What appears to be an ordinary townhouse at Flurweg 11a has been transformed into a unique gallery space showcasing works by internationally renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, and David Hockney.
Retired teacher Larry Becher and his partner Marie Schuler made the unconventional decision four years ago to convert their rental property into an art space after their tenants moved out. The couple, who typically showcase works by regional artists, are now fulfilling a lifelong dream by hosting what Becher calls "the Big Ones" – thirty original works by world-famous artists displayed across three floors of the residential building.
Visitors entering the house are immediately greeted by Warhol's characteristic pink and orange flowers on a green background. Throughout the home, masterpieces hang in unexpected places – from the hallway and dining room to the fireplace area and even the basement. The eclectic collection includes Chagall's "Eva wird von Gott verdammt" (Eve is Condemned by God), a lithograph by Miró featuring his signature black strokes with red, yellow, and green color dabs, and works by Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim.
The exhibition's origin story began with a six-meter-long leporello (accordion-fold artwork) by British artist David Hockney. When Becher's friend, a doctor, closed his practice in Bern's old town, he could no longer display the massive piece anywhere. Becher offered to hang it in the townhouse, and this gesture opened the floodgates for other collectors to contribute works to what became a ten-day exhibition.
Becher emphasizes that the focus is on original works by renowned artists rather than expensive pieces, though he acknowledges that many people ask about the monetary value of the collection. "That's annoying," he says, stressing that the value cannot be quantified in financial terms as it represents idealistic worth. While the exhibition doesn't feature million-dollar masterpieces, security remains a paramount concern for the organizers.
The couple has adopted an unconventional security approach, relying on friends to serve as doorkeepers while maintaining a constant presence at the location. "We even sleep here," Becher explains, admitting that the first few nights were nerve-wracking and resulted in poor sleep. However, he's quick to emphasize that all participating collectors have approved a comprehensive security and insurance concept that protects the valuable works.
As an artist himself, Becher particularly enjoys being surrounded by art around the clock. One piece that has captivated him is "First Snow IV," a linocut by Zurich artist Georges Wenger, which previously hung in collectors' homes but now graces the walls of Ostermundigen. Becher is fascinated by the precision with which the branches and foamy snow are depicted in Wenger's work.
The retired gymnasium teacher finds it thrilling to observe how the artworks transform throughout the day as lighting conditions change. "I'm completely captivated," he admits with characteristic Swiss dialect, adding that he would love to keep all the pieces permanently. This intimate setting allows visitors to experience world-class art in a domestic environment, creating an unprecedented opportunity to view masterpieces outside traditional museum walls in one of Switzerland's most unexpected gallery spaces.
