The Grosse Halle is an independently organized association within the Reitschule in Bern. Built at the end of the 19th century, it has been a self-managed space for culture and social exchange in the heart of the city since its squatting in 1987.
The Reitschule’s political history continues to shape our work today. As a cultural venue, we aim to create spaces that are open, supportive, and accessible to everyone.
Based on this vision, our focus lies on a diverse and low-threshold cultural program that is accessible to as many people as possible. We provide space for a wide range of events and pursue an open understanding of culture: alongside established formats, we also include subculture, socio-cultural initiatives, sports events, and markets. We are particularly interested in participatory and community-oriented projects, as well as those that enable cultural participation. We also place strong emphasis on a socially critical, socially engaged, decolonial, anti-racist, and feminist perspective.
The Grosse Halle’s program is developed in close collaboration with local cultural practitioners, collectives, ensembles, associations, and institutions. As hosts, we engage with a wide range of people and approach new ideas with openness and curiosity. These collaborations play a key role in shaping the program, making it diverse and a central part of our vision of an open and supportive cultural space.