Fondation Beyeler Appoints Rahel Kesselring as First Botanical Curator, Emphasizing Ecological Responsibility
The Fondation Beyeler, a Modern art museum near Basel, Switzerland, has appointed Rahel Kesselring as its inaugural botanical curator. This new role, supported by the Chanel Culture Fund, marks a significant shift in the museum's approach to integrating ecological care into its curatorial practices. Kesselring, who began her role on November 1, 2025, brings experience from her previous position as a research associate at Humboldt University in Berlin, where she focused on plant ecosystems and contemporary art. Her appointment reflects a growing trend in the art world to address ecological issues more directly, moving beyond traditional exhibitions to engage with the natural environment surrounding the museum. The Fondation Beyeler's parkland, which borders a nature reserve, provides a unique setting for this initiative, allowing for a blend of botanical and artistic knowledge.