Special Exhibitions
Legends of Swiss Philately
A Cross-Section of Swiss Philately
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
The special exhibition ‘Legends of Swiss Philately’ at BERNABA'25 invites you on a journey through the fascinating world of Swiss philately. A unique collection of important exhibits awaits you here - carefully curated by invited collectors.
Experience the diversity of Swiss philately: from pre-philately to the coveted cantonal stamps, the legendary Strubel, the Sitting and Standing Helvetia and the UPU stamps. But that is by no means all!
The exhibition also features a large collection of sheets, Pro Patria stamps, postage and franking labels and Red Cross stamps. The Kocher stamps are also represented. Local collections, postcards and postal stationery also have their place in this exhibition - a true paradise for philatelists and history enthusiasts.
The highlight: the breathtaking 10 million franc frame, which brings together some of the rarest and most valuable old Swiss units. Among them is a real gem: the famous block of 14 of the unissued Basel dove from the Museum of Communication.
This special exhibition is a unique journey through the history of Swiss philately. Be inspired and discover the true legends of Swiss philately!
Download list of exhibits
Durheim Corner
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
175 years ago, Bernese photographer and lithographer Carl Durheim printed the first Swiss federal stamps – small works of art that continue to captivate collectors around the world today. The special exhibition "Durheim Corner" at BERNABA’25 celebrates this anniversary with a truly unique presentation.
On display:
- Covers, multiples, cancellations, as well as highly attractive mixed frankings of the first federal issues combined with cantonal stamps and Strubel issues,
- rare Durheim frankings used exclusively in the canton of Glarus, including foreign letters, fascinating bisects, and regional cancellations,
- complete platings of all Durheim issues – detailed reconstructions of the original printing sheets, showcasing their particularities and varieties.
In addition to top-class exhibits of Durheim’s stamps, a special showcase will feature unique objects related to Carl Durheim, offering deeper insights into the life and work of this renowned lithographer and photographer.
Whether you are a passionate philatelist or a curious visitor:
the "Durheim Corner" opens a fascinating chapter of Swiss history – with authentic originals rarely seen in public.
Royal Philatelic Collection
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
Under the motto "Royal Philatelic Collection meets Switzerland", we are delighted to be able to present part of an iconic stamp collection from The King’s personal Philatelic Collection at the Bernaba.
Thanks to our main sponsor, Corinphila, His Majesty King Charles III, the British Monarch, has agreed that part of his legendary personal stamp collection may be presented at the Bernaba. This is a great honour for Bern, for philately and for Switzerland. This is the second time that permission has been given by His Majesty for His Royal Philatelic Collection to be shown in Switzerland. A magnet for the public and certainly a unique opportunity to discover and admire precious treasures from the Royal Philatelic Collection in Bern.
Partially sponsored by: Erich Bärtschi
Picture © Hugo Burnand
Revenue Stamp Salon
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
Discover the World of Revenue Stamps – at the Revenue Stamp Salon of BERNABA’25
Welcome to the Revenue Stamp Salon – a unique special exhibition held as part of BERNABA’25, dedicated entirely to the fascinating world of revenue stamps. Step into a world of historical documents, official seals and printed values that tell stories far beyond their fiscal function.
A Journey Through Time – on Paper and Ink
Explore the diverse uses of revenue stamps across the ages:
From the earliest revenue stamps of the Canton of Bern, dating back to 1798, to the finely crafted issues from Fribourg, Ticino, Vaud and Zurich – each stamp a witness to its era. You’ll also find rarely seen treasures such as the Nidau printing sheet and Nanson passport stamps.
When Revenue Meets Post
Discover fascinating intersections between fiscal and postal history: the postal use of revenue stamps reveals creative solutions and special cases – including examples from the Birsigtal Railway.
Looking Beyond Borders
Our international section showcases highlights such as:
- The development of the first value stamps in Germany
- The impressive Germania revenue stamps
- Identity cards from the Austrian railways and the DDSG – tokens of cross-border travel
- And as a playful curiosity: revenue stamps on playing cards
Swiss Crypto Stamps
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
A leading collection of Swiss Crypto stamps is on display. Starting in 2019 and ending in 2024, let yourself be inspired by a new, fun and interesting collecting field.
‘Your Cryptomani’
20th International Competition Class of UPU
When?
14 - 17. May 2025
Where?
Hall 3.0
What?
We are delighted to welcome the prestigious 20th Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Competition Class to Bernaba in 2025! This unique competition offers postal administrations from around the world the opportunity to showcase their outstanding stamp collections and philatelic innovations.
About the competition class:
Since 2008, the UPU, in cooperation with the International Federation of Philately (FIP), has provided a platform for postal administrations to showcase their latest stamps and philatelic products in a creative and competitive environment. The competition class encourages international exchange and the promotion of stamp collecting.
What you can expect:
- Impressive collections: Admire exquisite stamp collections that represent the diversity and creativity of global philately.
- Innovative presentations: Each participating postal administration will present a panel of 16 A4 pages (or 285 x 240 mm) consisting exclusively of philatelic material from the last four years.
- Shopping opportunities: Take the opportunity to purchase selected stamps and philatelic products directly on-site via QR codes that lead to the e-shops of the participating postal administrations.
Competition groups:
- Group A: Countries with less than 30 stamps per year.
- Group B: Countries with 30-69 stamps per year.
- Group C: Countries with more than 70 stamps per year.
Evaluation criteria:
- Use and application (30 points)
- Originality and quality (25 points)
- Technical quality (30 points)
- Philatelic interest and support for humanitarian causes (15 points)
This competition offers a unique opportunity to discover and appreciate the diversity and creativity of global philately. Don't miss the chance to see interesting exhibitions and experience the impressive stamp collections!
For more information, please visit the official UPU website https://www.upu.int.