The Kunstmuseum Thun in the former Grand Hotel Thunerhof is located at the centre of town, directly on the river Aare. The building was constructed in the 1870s and was the first luxury hotel built in the town. It has housed the museum on the groundfloor of the right wing since 1949. The Kunstmuseum Thun presents mainly contemporary art in four to five large exhibitions per year, focusing on both Swiss and international art. Topical and compelling art positions are an inspiration to audiences, participate in the current art discourse and have thus established the museum's reputation above and beyond the region. The exhibitions also promote a dialogue between the art of the past and the present in which contemporary works are examined as to their historical roots. At the close of each year the Cantonale Bern Jura exhibition represents a survey of regional art. The project room enter is a special platform for innovative art. The small exhibitions held there offer scope for artistic experimentation and exciting insight into current research projects. The programme includes often collaborations with other institutions such as universities and social organisations.