Discoveries made by the two Swiss scientists Robert Durrer and Joseph Zemp shortly before the end of the 19th century and research work around the middle of the 20th century revealed the great historical and cultural significance of the Carolingian and Romanesque wall paintings in the convent church of St John at Müstair. However, there was a lack of money to restore the monastery complex, which, like many historical monuments, was in poor structural condition and a poor state of maintenance.
In 1969, a chocolate coin campaign organised by the Swiss Heritage Society raised awareness of the need for long-term commitment to this outstanding building. In the same year, on the initiative of the Graubünden Councillors of State Gion Darms and Arno Theus, the interdenominational Stiftung Pro Kloster St. Johann in Müstair foundation came into being.
CEO
Ulrich Veith
ulrich.veith@muestair.ch
Scientific Director
Patrick Cassitti
patrick.cassitti@muestair.ch
Head of Museum and Communications
Romina Ebenhöch
romina.ebenhoech@muestair.ch
Convent Shop Manager
Esther Frank
esther.frank@muestair.ch
To deal with this wide range of topics, the foundation board consists of 20 to 30 people with the necessary expertise. The following are represented: the Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair, the episcopal ordinariate in Chur, the municipality of Val Müstair, the Swiss Heritage Society, Pro Natura and the Friends of the Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair.
Foundation Committee
The board of trustees has delegated the supervision of ongoing business to a committee. This honorary Foundation Committee consists of
Walter Anderau, President
Ilario Bondolfi, legal advisor to the episcopal ordinariate
Dr Richard Dillier, St. Moritz
Giorgio Gadola, Vice President
Jürg Guggisberg, Zurich
Georg Malgiaritta, administrator of the convent
Professor Bernd Nicolai, Bern
Elisabeth Oltramare-Schreiber, President of the Friends Association
Pio Pitsch, President of the Building Commission
Clemens Poltera, Treasurer
Sr Aloisia Steiner, prioress of the convent
Contact address
Stiftung Pro Kloster St. Johann in Müstair
Office
Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair
7537 Müstair
Switzerland
P. +41 81 858 56 62
stiftung@muestair.ch
Board of Trustees
In addition to the committee members, the Board of Trustees consists of the following members:
Gabriella Binkert-Becchetti, Mayor of Val Müstair
Former Swiss National Councillor Dr Dumeni Columberg
Georges Fricker, former President of the Friends Association
Dr. Jochen Folz, Bischöfliches Ordinariat, Chur
Professor Silke Langenberg, ETH Zurich
Professor Martin Meuli
Johann Mürner, Wabern
Pascal Pernet, GKB Chur
Hans Rutishauser, former monument conservator, Graubünden
Silva A. Semadeni, Chur
Peter Andreas Zahn, Basel
(as at June 2024)
Scientific Advisory Board
The Scientific Advisory Board consists of:
Professor Bernd Nicolai, University of Bern, President
Professor Carola Jäggi, University of Zurich
Professor Silke Langenberg, ETH Zurich
Professor Pierre-Alain Mariaux, University of Neuchatel
Professor Daniela Mondini, Università della Svizzera Italiana
Caroline Raither-Schärli, Appenzell Folklore Museum
Until the late 1990s, renovation and modernisation work defined the foundation's field of activity. In clearly defined stages, the living conditions of the nuns were improved and the agricultural infrastructure, one of the monastery's main sources of income, was optimised.
Now the focus is on realising individual projects. Significant changes occurred in 1983 when the convent, together with the Old City of Bern and St Gallen Abbey, were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The appeal of this cultural monument grew as a result, with an immediate positive impact on visitor numbers. This opened up new dimensions for the foundation. Support for the convent inevitably had to be seen within a wider framework – regional and even across borders.
In 2008, when the Rhaetian Railway line between Thusis and Tirano was also placed on the World Heritage List, the search for synergies between the convent and tourist development took centre stage. Communicating and providing information also became more important as a result.
The current head of this department, Dr Romina Ebenhöch, works for the convent with a varied programme geared to the ongoing development of the museum and raising public awareness. She coordinates work with the media work and interested institutions.
The work of the foundation has also broadened thanks to the expansion of the biosphere reserve programme by UNESCO in 2010.
In addition to new political structures in Val Müstair, planning for the road layout in the immediate vicinity of the convent and adjustments to agricultural production mean that an increasingly broad approach must be taken to efforts to support the convent. Especially factors influencing agricultural policy, such as the future organisation of milk and cheese production in the valley, could have a direct and, depending on the decisions made, unfavourable impact on the convent’s income. The foundation has commissioned expert reports to find out more about the basis for evaluation.
An agreement has also been concluded with the University of Bern to maintain and expand Müstair as a centre of research.
