Kunsthaus Zürich, located on Heimplatz in downtown Zurich, is Switzerland's largest art museum. It comprises two main buildings: the original 1910 main building and the new extension designed by David Chipperfield, which opened in October 2021. These two structures, separated by a century, collectively define the museum's expansive footprint and diverse collection.

The main building, a neoclassical design by Karl Moser, and Chipperfield's contemporary travertine addition face each other across Heimplatz square. Despite not being connected by an underground passage, they operate as a single institution, offering a unified visitor experience with one ticket covering both sites. This strategic layout integrates the museum seamlessly into Zurich's urban fabric.

A Legacy of Art — From 1787 to the Present

The museum's origins trace back to the Zürcher Künstlergesellschaft (Zurich Artists' Society), founded in 1787. This non-profit organization began collecting art, primarily focusing on Swiss works, and gradually built one of Switzerland's most significant art collections. The collection spans over 1,000 years, from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, now encompassing approximately 4,000 Western art pieces.

The 1910 main building, designed by Karl Moser, became the first dedicated home for this growing collection. Over the decades, the museum underwent several expansions, including major additions in 1925, 1958, and 1976, to accommodate its expanding holdings. The 2021 Chipperfield extension nearly doubled the exhibition space, allowing the museum to welcome around 400,000 visitors annually.

Key Collections and Masterpieces

• Alberto Giacometti Collection: The main building's entire second floor is dedicated to the world's largest collection of Giacometti sculptures and drawings, including iconic works like Walking Man and Forest.
• Claude Monet's Water Lilies: A dedicated oval room on the first floor of the main building houses a panoramic installation of Monet's large-scale Water Lilies series, offering an immersive experience comparable to the Orangerie in Paris.
• Bührle Collection (New Building): The new wing features the controversial Bührle Collection, comprising about 200 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas. The museum actively conducts and presents provenance research on this collection due to its historical context.
• Edvard Munch Collection: Approximately 10 paintings by Edvard Munch are prominently displayed, making Kunsthaus a key European venue for his work outside Norway.
• 20th Century Modernism: The third floor of the main building chronologically showcases works by Chagall, Picasso, Hodler, and other pioneers of early 20th-century European modernism.

Chipperfield's Architectural Vision

The 2021 extension, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, was awarded the 2022 Swiss Architecture Award. Its striking facade, clad in light beige travertine, is expected to develop a bronze-like patina with a greenish hue over time, reflecting Chipperfield's philosophy of architecture interacting with its environment. The building's clean, rectangular volume contrasts with the main building's classical style while respecting the city's architectural scale.

The new building also features a popular underground café, which has become an informal meeting point for Zurich's cultural community, further integrating the museum into the city's vibrant social life.

Visiting Information

Kunsthaus Zürich is easily accessible by tram (lines 3, 5, 8, 9) to the Kunsthaus stop, just a 10-minute ride from Zurich Main Station. Admission is CHF 23 for adults and CHF 18 for students, covering access to both buildings. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays.

A visit of 3 to 4 hours is recommended to fully appreciate the extensive collections. The museum offers free admission on Wednesday evenings after 18:00, attracting a local crowd. Kunsthaus Zürich can be combined with visits to the nearby ETH Zürich and the Zurich Opera House for a comprehensive cultural day in the city center.