Bern's Bremgartenfriedhof is now home to Switzerland's first cemetery restaurant, named "La Vie." The establishment, which officially opens in early March, aims to create a connection between life's pleasures and moments of quiet reflection. It offers a unique space for various guests, from those attending farewell ceremonies to local residents and professionals.
Key Takeaways
- "La Vie" is Switzerland's first restaurant located within a cemetery.
- It opens in early March at Bern's Bremgartenfriedhof.
- The restaurant repurposes two historic, landmarked urn halls.
- It serves as a meeting place for mourners, neighbors, and business professionals.
- The venue will host cultural events, including readings and concerts.
A New Concept for Reflection and Connection
The new restaurant, "La Vie," is a pioneering project in Switzerland. It occupies two carefully renovated urn halls within the historic Bremgartenfriedhof. This unique setting seeks to bridge the gap between enjoying life's moments and acknowledging its transient nature.
Michael Kräuchi, the managing director, described the new venture. He stated,
"Here, a delicate bridge is built between enjoyment and contemplation. The restaurant invites people to take their time – for conversations, culinary delights, for memories and new thoughts."An open house event is scheduled for March 1st, allowing the public to experience the space firsthand.
Interesting Fact
The Bremgartenfriedhof crematorium complex, including its urn halls, is a listed historical monument, meaning it must be preserved. This status influenced the decision to repurpose the underutilized urn halls for a new community function.Serving Diverse Community Needs
"La Vie" is designed to cater to a wide range of visitors. It provides a dignified setting for funeral guests to gather after memorial services. Simultaneously, it welcomes local residents, employees from nearby businesses, and individuals enjoying a stroll through the cemetery grounds.
The restaurant's winter garden offers additional flexibility. It is available for companies and organizations looking to host workshops, meetings, or other special events. This multi-purpose approach ensures the space remains vibrant and accessible to many different groups.
Revitalizing Historic Spaces
The decision to convert the urn halls into a restaurant arose from a need to find a new purpose for these historically significant, yet underused, structures. Mirjam Veglio, managing director of the Bernese Cooperative for Cremation, explained the motivation.
She noted that traditional burials in the solemn urn halls, with their numerous small niches, are now rarely requested. Modern preferences often lean towards taking urns home or burying them outdoors in meaningful locations.
Background Information
The Bernese Cooperative for Cremation faced the challenge of maintaining the historically protected urn halls. They sought a way to create added value for the cemetery while ensuring the halls were utilized in a meaningful and respectful manner, rather than simply preserving them as museum pieces.Beyond Dining: A Cultural Hub
The vision for "La Vie" extends beyond its culinary offerings. The venue plans to host a variety of cultural and reflective events. These include readings, quiet concerts, discussions about dying and death, and art exhibitions.
Mirjam Veglio emphasized the thoughtful approach to the renovation. She stated,
"The crematorium is being revitalized – with dignity, openness, respect, and close to people. With the careful renovation of the historic, listed urn halls, a new place has emerged at Bremgartenfriedhof that surprises and connects."
- Cultural Events: The restaurant will host readings and concerts.
- Open Dialogue: Discussions on life and death are planned.
- Art Exhibitions: The space will feature rotating art displays.
This initiative represents a significant step in re-imagining public spaces within a cemetery. It aims to foster a sense of community and provide a setting for both celebration and contemplation. The blend of historical preservation and modern utility makes "La Vie" a noteworthy addition to Bern's landscape.
The careful renovation ensures that the historical integrity of the urn halls is respected while adapting them for contemporary use. This approach demonstrates how heritage sites can find new life and continue to serve the public in innovative ways.