Visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus Zurich stands as the largest fine arts museum in Switzerland. Its collection spans from the 13th century to the present day, housing 95,000 graphic works and roughly 4,000 paintings and sculptures, with 1,000 pieces on permanent display. The museum expanded in 2021 with the addition of a modern wing connected to the original Moser building via an underground passage. The site now offers 11,500 square meters of space dedicated to the evolution and perception of art through the ages.
An impressive collection of Swiss and international artists
The movement to establish a fine arts museum in Zurich began in 1787 among a group of local artists and art enthusiasts. Over the centuries, the institution built a significant collection, most notably holding the world's largest assembly of works by Swiss sculptor Giacometti and the second largest collection of pieces by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
The Kunsthaus Zurich showcases works from a wide range of movements, including Impressionism, Pop Art, and Modernism. You will also find photography, sound installations, and video art that explore the intersection of technology and creativity since the late 20th century.
A museum designed for the modern era
Beyond the eco-friendly and innovative building designed by David Chipperfield, where the architecture uses light and space to highlight the art, the Kunsthaus Zurich focuses on accessibility and environmental connection. The Jardin de l'Art (Art Garden) serves as a welcoming public space, while the onsite bar and main reception hall encourage visitors to linger. An exterior light installation, Turicum Pixewald by artist Pipilotti Rist, illuminates the grounds and creates a visual bridge between the different museum spaces.
Great museum in a building with a deceptively basic look that traces the history of European art over the centuries, organized by era.
Middle Ages, Romanticism, Impressionism, contemporary, etc., it is quite comprehensive.
Heads up, some of the explanations written in German are not translated.
Quick tip: admission is free on Wednesdays.