From Basel to Bern and beyond, these Swiss art museums showcase the true essence of European soil.
For travellers seeking cultural exposure during their trips, art museums are one of must-visit spots on their checklist. With pictures, art installations, and graphics, these museums can easily act as a cultural guide for all aficionados. Switzerland art museums, scattered across the country, serve as cultural sanctuaries for all travellers, inviting them to delve into the world of art and history. The Swiss art museums house a diverse collection of artworks, spanning centuries and styles. At such museums, visitors can walk through time and explore the evolution through artistic pieces. Beyond the artworks themselves, Swiss art museums often host temporary exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs for visitors to engage with art on a deeper level. So, as you hop on your next trip to the playground of Europe, map these 5 Swiss art museums that are worthy pitstops for all the culturally curious!
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern
The Zentrum Paul Klee Center in Bern celebrates the life and work of one of Switzerland’s most iconic artists. It features the world’s largest collection of works by Paul Klee, exhibitions on important contemporary and modern artists, master concerts, readings and more. Visitors can immerse themselves in the life and work of the artist in the permanent exhibition ‘Kosmos Klee: The Collection’. 80 rotating chronologically organised works, biographical photos and films, as well as archive material are also available for guests to watch.
MASI Lugano
The Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana (MASI) is a prominent art museum in Lugano, Switzerland boasting a permanent collection of some 14,000 artworks. It houses a significant collection of 20th-century and contemporary art, showcasing works by both Swiss and international artists. The museum’s diverse exhibitions explore a range of artistic styles and movements with primary focus on local art. Its unique Swiss address at an artistic crossroads between the north and south of the Alps makes it one of the most scenic places to see.
Kunsthaus Zürich
Kunsthaus Zürich is one of Switzerland’s largest art museums, boasting a vast collection that spans centuries. It houses a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The museum’s impressive collection features works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Munch, as well as significant Swiss artists. The museum’s highlights include paintings and rare sculptures by Cy Twombly. Video installations and photographs by Fischli/Weiss, Pipilotti Rist are also showcased in the premises.
Fondation Beyeler, Basel
The Fondation Beyeler is a renowned art museum located in Riehen, near Basel, Switzerland. Set within a park, with sculptures installed on a carpet of grass, the Fondation Beyeler campus has 250 modern and contemporary masterpieces from the 400-strong Hildy and Ernst Beyeler. It also features a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by masters like Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, and Giacometti.
Museum Rietberg, Zurich
The Museum Rietberg in Zurich is Switzerland’s only space dedicated to non-European art. It houses a vast collection of artworks from Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse cultures and artistic traditions. The museum’s exhibitions delve into the history, mythology, and spirituality of these varied cultures. There are 32,600 objects and 49,000 photographs in the Rietberg’s collections in public display.
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