Foundation

On July 2, 1997, thanks to a private initiative and the setting up of an association, the Museum Hermann Hesse was established. The Fondazione Hermann Hesse Montagnola, was founded officially on 1st January 2000 and is represented, among others, by the Hesse Family, the Municipality of Collina d'Oro and the City of Lugano. The Foundation keeps alive the memory of the writer and painter Hermann Hesse.

Fondazione Hermann Hesse Montagnola

The Foundation manages the Museum in Montagnola. With its 12'000 to 15'000 visitors a year, the Museum has become one of the main cultural attractions in the Cantone Ticino. Moreover, the Fondazione Hermann Hesse Montagnola allows the Museum to organise a rich cultural programme, with readings, lectures, exhibitions and numerous events on various themes related to Hermann Hesse, which take place both in Switzerland and abroad in collaboration with other cultural institutions.

Aim of the Foundation

To spread and promote, on a national and international level, the thought and the artistic and literary work of Hermann Hesse; to support divulgation and research, thus encouraging a discussion on this author. The Foundation develops and accomplishes activities and projects which are suitable to these aims. In this context, the main purpose of the Foundation is to take on the direction and administration of the Museum Hermann Hesse Montagnola, undertaking the promotion and the development of this institution.

Foundation Board Members

Marc Andreae, President
Silver Hesse, Vice-president

Hubert Achermann
Annamaria Albek
Fides Baldesberger
Andrea Bernardazzi Mayor of the Municipality of Collina d'Oro
Andrea Lenzin Member of the Municipality of Collina d'Oro
Giovanna Masoni Brenni
Sir Lindsay Harwood Owen-Jones

Marcel Henry is the Director of the Foundation and of the Museum.

«*In order to make the possible come true, one must try the impossible.*»

Hermann Hesse, 1958
Photo: Martin Hesse · © Martin Hesse Erben

Support Group

Why become a member of the Support Group or Donor?

The core of the private management of the Museum is the Fondazione Hermann Hesse Montagnola. In order to continue offering a high-quality cultural programme in the future, we depend on private donations and contributions from supporters. The Foundation Board therefore strives to significantly increase the number of supporters - perhaps you will also participate in the future? With an annual contribution of CHF 100, you become a Member of the Support Group (students and senior citizens CHF 50, couple CHF 150). With an annual contribution of CHF 1'000 you become a Museum Donor.

What do we offer?

Members of the Support Group
As a thank you for your kind support, you receive annual free admission to our Museum, as well as to readings and events.

Museum Donor
As a Donor you receive a welcome gift, as well as free admission to the Museum, for you and the persons or group accompanying you. Moreover once a year we invite you to a special event attended by members of the Foundation Board.

What do you need to know?

In Switzerland, donations to our Foundation can be deducted from taxes. The annual contribution, payable by 1 March, is valid for the current year. If your first contribution is paid after 1 October, your membership will also be valid for the following year. You may terminate your membership of the Support Group at any time. Please indicate your name and address in the transfer order so that we can send you your membership card and tax certificate. Occasional donations and contributions are always welcome.