The appalling use of the listed Romanesque church as a woodshed was finally rectified thanks to a private initiative and subsequent renovation work carried out between 1987 and 1989. Further renovation in 1999 enabled the monastery to be opened to  the public as a cultural venue. In 2001, John Schmid transferred the whole Schoenthal ensemble -- land, monastery, farm, and artworks -- to the foundation called “Sculpture at Schoenthal”.

In search of a succession regulation for his life’s work, John Schmid merged his foundation with the Edith Maryon Foundation in Basel. The agreement with the new ownership promises a secured future for Kloster Schönthal in the long-term. Together with the Edith Maryon Foundation, the new Verein Kloster Schönthal, under the management of the board, will maintain, promote and further the artistic and cultural projects. Given the basis of this unique legacy and its wide-ranging potential, something new is destined to emerge and thrive.

Board Members:
Luca Selva (Präsident)
John Schmid
Klaus Jensen
Antony Vischer

Beirat:
Dr. André Baltensperger
Dr. Guido Magnaguagno
Markus Ritter