The Hans Erni Foundation was launched on 23 December 1976 to mark the artist's 70th birthday. It provided the funding for the museum, which opened in 1979, and now owns in excess of 300 paintings, drawings, graphics, sculptures and ceramics. The Hans Erni Foundation promotes and organises exhibitions, lectures and cultural events.
Foundation board
| Dr. Karl Bühlmann, Lucerne (Chair) |
| Doris Erni, Lucerne |
| Arielle Erni, Lucerne |
| Noah Erni, Zurich |
| Marco Crameri, Whitehills (GB) |
| Dr. Stefan Erni, Zurich |
| Pierre-Edouard Fischer, Prangins |
| Andrea Meule, Lucerne |