Kunsthalle Winterthur

Kunsthalle Winterthur is a contemporary art gallery in the Swiss city of Winterthur, canton of Zurich. Its home is the historic Waaghaus at Marktgasse 25, in the heart of the old town. It shows work by regional artists alongside internationally established names, and entry is free.

What is Kunsthalle Winterthur?

The Kunsthalle is a venue for temporary exhibitions and keeps no permanent collection. Four to six shows run each year, so the programme changes often. Younger artists from the region appear next to figures known on the international scene.

The galleries occupy the second upper floor of the Waaghaus. Until 1915 the same rooms displayed the collection of what is now the art museum of Winterthur. The space became an official Kunsthalle in 1980, opening with an exhibition by Max Bill, the Swiss artist and designer.

What will you see?

Expect installation, painting, sculpture, video and site-specific work. Every December the gallery hosts the annual show of the Künstlergruppe Winterthur, an artists' group founded in 1916. It is a good way to get a feel for the local scene.

Do not confuse it with Kunst Museum Winterthur, which has its own buildings and permanent collections, or with Fotostiftung Schweiz. These are separate institutions, so check the address before you set out.

How do you get there?

Winterthur is about 20 minutes by train from Zurich, and the old town is a short walk from the main station. The Waaghaus stands on the pedestrian shopping street of the Altstadt, a few minutes on foot from the platforms. You do not need a car.

When should you visit?

Museum directories list typical opening hours of Wednesday to Friday, 12:00 to 18:00, and weekends, 12:00 to 16:00. The gallery is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Dates for each show are posted on kunsthallewinterthur.ch.

Note that the building is under renovation until December 2026. Until then the annual programme runs at various venues around Winterthur rather than in the Waaghaus. Check the gallery website for the current location before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Kunsthalle Winterthur free? Yes, admission is free.

Does the Kunsthalle have a permanent collection? No. It presents temporary exhibitions only, four to six a year.

Where is the gallery? In the Waaghaus at Marktgasse 25 in Winterthur's old town, a few minutes on foot from the station.

Is the gallery open in its usual building right now? The Waaghaus is being renovated until December 2026. Exhibitions take place at other locations in the city meanwhile, so consult the official site for the current programme.