Culture and art in Switzerland
A guide to 57 Culture and art in Switzerland — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 26 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Kunsthalle Winterthur, Kunsthaus Glarus (institution), Galerie Gmurzynska.
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Parktheater Grenchen
Grenchen
Parktheater Grenchen is a theatre building in Grenchen, a town in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. Opened in 1955, it is regarded as one of the region's most distinctive pieces of postwar architecture and remains an important cultural venue for the town. What is Parktheater Grenchen? It is a theatre with a large auditorium and a restaurant, set in a town best known for its watchmaking industry. The building hosts performances, concerts and events, and its hall can also be rented for private functions. It stands at roughly 47.191° N, 7.391° E. Who designed it and when was it built? The architect was Ernst Gisel of Zurich. Construction ran from 1953 to 1955. At the opening, Gisel reportedly said there was no other building in Switzerland quite like it, which captures how new the design felt next to its surroundings. The interior is known for its wooden chairs, which were restored in five phases over the years, preserving the original character of the hall. Why does the building matter to the town? In 2009 the Parktheater was listed as a historic and cultural monument. The town of Grenchen also names it among the architectural highlights behind its 2008 Wakkerpreis, the award given by the Swiss Heritage Society (Heimatschutz). For anyone interested in modernist architecture, it is one of the best reasons to stop in Grenchen. Restaurant and ownership The restaurant area was rebuilt in 1995. In 2014/15 Rodania Gastro AG took over its operation and renovated it. For years the building belonged to the Parktheater cooperative, which lacked the funds for upkeep. Local press reported plans for the town to buy the building and dissolve the cooperative. How many seats does the hall have? Sources give different figures, from a few hundred seats in theatre layouts to around 600 or 700 chairs in full configuration. The number depends on the room setup and use, so for group bookings it is worth asking about the current layout. Planning a visit Check the programme on the Grenchen town website or the operator's page, since the schedule changes through the season. You can eat in the restaurant inside the building before or after a show. Grenchen lies close to Solothurn and Biel/Bienne, so the theatre combines well with exploring the area. Architecture fans should take a look at the building's form and the wooden-seat interior. Frequently asked questions When did Parktheater Grenchen open? In 1955, after construction that began in 1953. Who designed it? Ernst Gisel of Zurich. Is the building protected? Yes, it has been listed as a historic and cultural monument since 2009. Is there a restaurant? Yes. Since 2014/15 it has been run by Rodania Gastro AG. Where is Grenchen? In the canton of Solothurn, on the Swiss Plateau between Solothurn and Biel/Bienne. The Parktheater suits visitors who want to combine a cultural evening with a look at twentieth-century Swiss architecture. Its protected status and its link to the Wakkerpreis make it one of Grenchen's landmarks.
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Theater am Gleis
Winterthur
Theater am Gleis is a small guest theatre in Winterthur, in the Swiss canton of Zurich, located right next to the main railway station. It has operated since 1979 and has long been one of the key venues of the city's independent performing arts scene. Its tagline, "Next to the tracks since 1979", fits well: the stage really does sit beside the railway. What is Theater am Gleis? It is a multi-disciplinary venue that grew over time into a house with four pillars: theatre, dance, music and children's theatre. Wikidata classifies it as a performing arts complex. It is not a classic theatre with a permanent acting company. Instead, it hosts groups from the region as well as artists from elsewhere in Switzerland and abroad. How did it start? The story goes back to 1979, when a non-profit association was founded. Its aim was to make cultural events possible, with a special focus on children's theatre, politically engaged cabaret and groups that were not yet well known. That mission, giving space to those still looking for an audience, remains visible in the programme today. What can you see here? Around 60 performances are staged in a typical season. Some productions are developed in-house, and on days without events the rooms can be rented. The programme mixes shows for adults, dance, concerts and offerings for the youngest visitors, so two evenings in a season rarely feel alike. What are the hall and the organisation like? The theatre is intimate, with an auditorium of roughly 114 seats, so the audience sits close to the performers. Operations are run by a small team of part-time staff together with many volunteers. About 40 people are involved in programming and running events, which gives the place a friendly, community-driven atmosphere. Where is it and how do you get there? The address is Untere Vogelsangstrasse 3 in Winterthur. The main station is right nearby, so reaching it by train from Zurich or other Swiss cities is simple and no car is needed. Winterthur lies about 20 to 25 minutes by rail from Zurich, which makes it easy to combine an evening at the theatre with a day exploring a city known for its museums and old town. Frequently asked questions Is it a large theatre? No, it is an intimate venue with about 114 seats. Performances feel very direct as a result. Is there something for children? Yes. Children's theatre is one of the four main areas of activity and was one of the founders' goals back in 1979. How many performances are held per season? Roughly 60, across theatre, dance, music and children's programming. Can the rooms be hired? Yes, on days free of programming the theatre makes its rooms available for rent. Is it the same as Theater Winterthur? No. Theater Winterthur is a larger touring house on Theaterstrasse. Theater am Gleis is a smaller, independent stage by the station. Where can I find the current programme? The most reliable sources are the theatre's official website and local Winterthur event calendars. Check dates before you go, as the repertoire changes from season to season.
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City theatre of Biel
Biel/Bienne
The City Theatre of Biel (German: Stadttheater Biel, French: Théâtre municipal de Bienne) is a theatre building in Biel/Bienne, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. Long before it hosted performances, it served very different purposes, which makes its story more interesting than its exterior suggests. What should you know about this place? The theatre occupies a former municipal armoury (Zeughaus) built at the end of the 16th century, between 1589 and 1591. The building originally stored the town's arms. From around 1800 it was used as a grain warehouse. This is a familiar pattern in European towns: defensive and utility buildings lose their original role and find a new one. How did an armoury become a theatre? In 1842 the first floor was converted into a theatre hall, and the building began its life as the town's stage. The ground floor had yet another career: from 1906 to 1935 its hall housed the fire brigade. For a time, then, theatre and fire station shared one roof. A major restoration took place in 1979–1980, which helped the building survive as a working theatre to this day. Who performs here? In 1927 the theatres of Biel/Bienne and neighbouring Solothurn joined forces in a shared institution known as the Städtebundtheater Biel-Solothurn. The cooperation continues in a new form: the current company, Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn, serves both towns and their venues. Theatre and music productions are therefore presented in two places, with artists performing in both houses. Why visit? It shows how Swiss towns turned practical historic architecture into cultural space. The building stands in the old-town area of Biel/Bienne, so a visit combines easily with a walk through the centre. The city is bilingual (German and French), which you will notice in names and on posters. Frequently asked questions Where is the City Theatre of Biel? In Biel/Bienne, canton of Bern, in western Switzerland on Lake Biel. When was the building constructed? It was built as an armoury in 1589–1591. The first floor became a theatre in 1842. Is it still a working theatre? Yes. The stage belongs to the joint Biel–Solothurn institution, which performs in both towns. Has the building been renovated? Yes, a major restoration was carried out in 1979–1980. Should I check the programme in advance? Yes. The schedule depends on the season and on which of the two towns hosts a given production, so check the current programme on the theatre's website before you go. The City Theatre of Biel suits visitors who like to combine culture with architectural history: an old armoury, a grain store, a fire station and finally a stage, all in one building with a centuries-long past.
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L’Heure bleue
La Chaux-de-Fonds
L’Heure bleue is a historic theatre in La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. This Italian-style hall at Avenue Léopold-Robert 27 has been one of the city's main cultural addresses for almost two centuries. It forms part of the Théâtre de La Chaux-de-Fonds complex, right next to the Salle de Musique, and hosts plays, concerts and special events. What is L’Heure bleue? It is a neo-Baroque auditorium with a horseshoe-shaped house, balconies and richly decorated interiors. The theatre was built in 1836–1837 to plans by Peter Jakob Meinrad Felber. It is one of only two Italian-style theatres in Switzerland; the other is in Bellinzona. The building is a protected monument of national importance. The city's history adds a curious twist: as Swiss press has pointed out, residents built their theatre before a hospital, or even a running-water network. It shows how much weight culture carried in the prosperous watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. What does the interior look like? The auditorium has been restored to its 1878 appearance. It originally held around 900 spectators on the main floor and three balconies. Today it seats about 500, which gives it an intimate, comfortable scale. The ceiling carries panels depicting the nine muses and allegories by Georges Och and Jean-Louis Chenillon. A thorough renovation in 2001–2003, directed by Pierre Minder, brought the hall back to its former splendour. How does it connect to the Salle de Musique? Since 1966 the theatre's main entrance has led through the neighbouring Salle de Musique. This concert hall, built in the 1950s, is known for its acoustics, wood panelling and an organ behind the stage. The two venues share a lobby and box office, so in practice visitors experience them as one ensemble: a nineteenth-century theatre and a modernist music hall. Who performs here? The venue is associated with the Théâtre populaire romand (TPR), a company active across French-speaking Switzerland. The hall can also be hired for conferences, concerts and other events. Guided visits can sometimes be arranged through the local tourist office. Frequently asked questions Where is L’Heure bleue? At Avenue Léopold-Robert 27 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, next to the Salle de Musique. Is it the same as Franz Koglmann's album? No. The 1991 album "L’Heure bleue" is a separate musical work; this entry is about the theatre hall. How many people does it seat? About 500 today; originally it held around 900. Is it worth visiting for architecture? Yes. The theatre and the adjacent Salle de Musique are a highlight in a city known for its architecture around the turn of the twentieth century. The interior, with its balconies, ornament and painted ceiling, impresses even visitors who are not attending a performance. Can I go in without a ticket? The interior is usually seen during events or on a guided visit. Check the current programme and visiting options with the organiser or the tourist office.
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Theater am Neumarkt Zürich
Zürich
Theater am Neumarkt is one of Zürich's most important small stages, housed in a historic building at Neumarkt 5 in the heart of the old town. It presents contemporary plays, new writing and experimental projects, and the house itself has more than 280 years of eventful history behind it, from a shoemakers' guildhall to a gathering place of the labour movement. Where is the theatre? The theatre sits in the Niederdorf, the historic quarter on the hill east of the Limmat river. The area is narrow, intimate and easy to explore on foot. Spiegelgasse, where Vladimir Lenin lived during his Swiss exile, runs right nearby. From the main railway station it is a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour across the river. What is the building's history? David Morf built or converted the house in 1742 for the shoemakers' guild. It served as a guildhall for only about fifty years. After the French Revolution it was sold and later ran as a girls' school until 1877. In 1888 it passed to Eintracht Zürich, a German workers' education association, and became an important meeting point for the labour movement. The City of Zürich bought the property in 1933. From the 1940s the hall hosted guest performances under the name "Theater am Neumarkt", and from 1949 to 1951 it was the permanent home of the well-known Cabaret Cornichon. Since 1966 the building has housed the theatre that operates here today. What can you see here? The stage is known for a daring repertoire. It hosted the premieres of Adolf Muschg's "Rumpelstilz" (1968), Peter Handke's "Die Unvernünftigen sterben aus" (1974) and Urs Widmer's "Top Dogs" (1996), a play about the world of work and corporate life that travelled to many countries. The programme changes by season and includes premieres, guest productions and projects on the border of theatre, performance art and public debate. Performances are mostly in German, so check whether a production offers surtitles or another language version. What is the auditorium like? The main hall is flexible: the seating can be rearranged to suit each staging and holds up to 170 people, which keeps the audience very close to the performers. A small annex on Chorgasse offers a second space for up to 40 people, used for more intimate formats. Who runs the theatre? The institution is operated by Theater am Neumarkt AG, a company majority-owned by the city and canton of Zürich. Public backing lets the theatre take risks with non-commercial productions. Frequently asked questions Do I need to speak German? Most performances are in German, though some projects are multilingual. Check the current programme for details on each title. Can I tour the building itself? It is a working theatre, so the easiest way to see the interior is to attend a show. The facade and the surrounding old town can be viewed at any time. How many seats are there? The main hall takes up to 170 spectators, and the small stage on Chorgasse up to 40. Should I book tickets in advance? With such small audiences, popular premieres can sell out quickly, so booking ahead is sensible. What else is nearby? The lanes of the Niederdorf, Spiegelgasse and the Limmat riverside promenades.
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Theater an der Winkelwiese
Zurych
Theater an der Winkelwiese is a small theater in Zurich, housed in the vaulted basement of the historic Villa Tobler in the Hottingen district. A public park surrounds the villa, so a night out at the theater pairs easily with a walk through greenery close to the city center. What is Theater an der Winkelwiese? The theater has been running since 1964 and is known for contemporary repertoire and for staging new plays. The auditorium occupies a vaulted lower level of the building, which gives performances an intimate, close-up feel. The property is a protected building, and the villa with its park is regarded as one of the more interesting architectural ensembles in this part of Zurich. What is the history of the villa? The late Classicist mansion was designed in 1853 by Gustav Albert Wegmann for the banker Jakob Emil Tobler-Finsler and his son. Between 1898 and 1901 it was converted into a historicist villa with a corner tower, to plans by Konrad von Muralt. The Art Nouveau interior by Hans Eduard von Berlepsch-Valendas is still counted among the finest in the city. In 1996 the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft took over the villa. After restoration, it reopened in 2000. How did the theater begin? In 1964 the architect Jakob Zweifel rebuilt the vaulted basement to hold a stage. The first season opened on 16 June 1964 with Harold Pinter's The Caretaker, directed by Maria von Ostfelden. Stephan Roppel has led the theater since 2003. Since 2000 it has also hosted the "Dramenprozessor" program, started by Peter-Jakob Kelting, which stages new plays by young Swiss authors. What else is worth seeing here? The park beside the villa has been open to the public since 1979. It is a quiet place to rest before or after a show. Take a look at the villa's tower and its Classicist origins. Frequently asked questions Where is the theater? In Zurich's Hottingen district, in Villa Tobler on Winkelwiese. Is the park open to everyone? Yes, the park has been public since 1979. When was the theater founded? Its first season ran in 1964. Does it stage new plays? Yes, the "Dramenprozessor" program promotes new works by young Swiss writers. Is the villa's interior historic? Yes, the Art Nouveau interior from around 1900 is considered among the most beautiful in Zurich. Do I need to speak German? Performances are given in German, so some knowledge helps, but the park and architecture can be enjoyed without it.
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Theater am Hechtplatz
Zürich
Theater am Hechtplatz is a municipal stage in the heart of Zürich, standing on the Limmatquai embankment right beside the Limmat river. Since 1959 it has been the home of Swiss cabaret and light entertainment theatre, and today it is owned and run by the City of Zürich. What is Theater am Hechtplatz? It is a small theatre in German-speaking Switzerland, linked above all with cabaret and "Kleinkunst", the German-language tradition of small-scale stage art: satire, staged song, solo performance and light comedy. In Zürich it is regarded as the central institution of its kind. Rather than a large resident company, it works as a venue that hosts performers from across Switzerland and the wider German-speaking world. How did the theatre come about? The idea took shape in the late 1950s. Swiss cabaret had lost one of its regular homes, the hall in the Hotel Hirschen, and needed a new address. The initiative came from Dionysius Gurny, secretary to the then city mayor Emil Landolt. The architect Ernst Gisel converted a former fire-brigade depot into the new venue. It opened on 25 April 1959 with the programme "Eusi chliini city" by the Cabaret Fédéral. In 1961 the theatre was assigned to a department of the mayor's office, today's Präsidialdepartement. From 1963 it was led by Felix Rogner, followed as directors by Rudolf Sauser, Nicolas Baerlocher and Dominik Flaschka. What can you see here? Cabaret forms the core of the programme, but the stage also presents comedies, musical productions, chanson and children's shows. Since 1963, when it began with the fairy tale "Rumpelstilz", the house has also included the Märchenbühne, a fairy-tale stage for young audiences. As a result, one venue draws both adults looking for an evening of satire and families with children. Most performances are in German, often in the Swiss variety, so visitors without German may get more from musical programmes than from text-heavy ones. Check the theatre's website for the current schedule and dates. Getting there and what is nearby The theatre sits on Hechtplatz in Zürich's historic quarter, on the Limmatquai side, directly on the river. The coordinates are roughly 47.3683 N, 8.5448 E. The surroundings are the Altstadt, the old town, with narrow lanes, cafés and the Limmat promenade. Many of the city centre's main sights are within walking distance, so an evening at the theatre combines easily with a stroll through town. Frequently asked questions When was Theater am Hechtplatz founded? It opened on 25 April 1959 as a cabaret stage. Who owns the theatre? It is owned and run by the City of Zürich. Is it a children's theatre? Not only, but since 1963 it has housed the Märchenbühne, which stages fairy-tale shows for children. What language are the shows in? Mostly German, often in the Swiss variety. Where exactly is it? On Hechtplatz, close to the Limmatquai embankment in central Zürich.
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Theater Stok
Zurych
Theater Stok is a small, intimate stage in Zurich, set in a former wine cellar at Hirschengraben 42 in the Altstadt. For more than fifty years it has offered an alternative to the city's large, established cultural institutions, and it still draws audiences looking for something less predictable than a big-house season. How did Theater Stok begin? The theater was founded by Zbigniew Stok, a Polish theater enthusiast living in Zurich. It opened on 21 October 1971 at Hirschengraben 42. From the start it was meant to be an independent space, open to forms of performance that are hard to find in more conventional venues. The founder's Polish roots make it a small curiosity for Polish visitors to Zurich as well. What is the space like? You reach the hall by descending a narrow staircase into a vaulted cellar that once stored wine. The rows of chairs, with room for roughly 60 to 80 people, sit very close to the stage, so the experience feels immediate. It is nothing like a large auditorium with balconies: you hear the performers breathe, see every expression, and the mood is almost living-room casual. The old vaults give the place real character, though some of the technical equipment is showing its age. What can you see here? The theater has no ensemble of its own, so its programme is built from guest performances. That produces a varied mix of theater pieces, concerts, cabaret and literary readings. No two evenings are quite alike, and regulars can find something new almost every time they visit. Reviews on local listing sites describe a programme ranging from plays to concerts and readings, and audience ratings on zuri.net are very high. How is it funded? Stok receives only limited public funding. It relies largely on donations and income from guest performances. A ticket or voluntary contribution at an event therefore directly helps keep the stage running. Some evenings, such as readings, can be free to enter, with a collection taken instead. Where is it and how should you plan a visit? The theater is in central Zurich, in the Altstadt district, a few minutes' walk from the main old-town sights, so it combines easily with sightseeing. Its coordinates are roughly 47.3732 N, 8.5476 E. Check the current programme before you go: event listing sites show differing information, and some entries are out of date. Arrive a little early, since the room is small and seating is limited. Expect stairs down to the cellar; access may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Many performances are in German, which is worth considering when choosing an evening. Frequently asked questions Does Theater Stok have its own company? No, the programme is made up of guest performances by outside artists and groups. How many people does the hall hold? Roughly 60 to 80 seats. When did the theater open? On 21 October 1971. Is it a good choice for tourists? Yes, if you enjoy small-scale cultural events and want to see a less touristy side of Zurich. Where exactly is it? At Hirschengraben 42, in Zurich's old town area.
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Kurtheater with glass foyer
Baden
Kurtheater Baden is a theatre in Baden, a spa town in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland. Known for its glass-fronted foyer, it is one of the region's best-known examples of postwar theatre architecture and remains a working stage for the town's cultural life. What is the Kurtheater in Baden? The theatre stands beside the spa park in a town famous for its thermal baths. It hosts guest productions, concerts and other cultural events, and for decades its silhouette has been associated with a light, transparent entrance pavilion. Who designed it and when was it built? The architect was Lisbeth Sachs, who won the 1939 competition for a new theatre in Baden. The outbreak of war delayed construction, and the building opened in March 1952. The project waited more than a decade for realisation, and the result became a notable landmark of mid-century Swiss architecture. Why is the glass foyer special? The heart of Sachs' concept is a glazed foyer with a rounded, many-sided plan. It opens toward the surrounding park, so visitors see greenery before they even reach the auditorium. The glass pavilion links interior and garden and gives the building its distinctive, open look. The building is under cantonal heritage protection, which is why its most valuable elements had to be preserved during later work. How has the theatre been expanded? In the 1960s the building was extended to plans by Bölsterli and Weidmann. A later and much larger conversion grew out of an architectural competition won by Boesch Architekten. Construction began in 2018 and included a new backstage block, an extended foyer area and improved seismic safety. What changed after the renovation? After modernisation the theatre gained a second foyer, called the Neues Foyer, which complements Sachs' historic glass pavilion. The project cost roughly 34 million Swiss francs. Because the building is listed, the auditorium, the cloakroom hall and the small open-air stage could be altered only slightly; the new additions were placed mainly around the protected core. What should you know before visiting? The theatre is in Baden, canton of Aargau, in northern Switzerland. Coordinates: about 47.480 N, 8.310 E, next to the spa park. The glass foyer is best seen from the park side, where its transparent form is clearest. The programme covers theatre, music and other stage events; check the theatre's website for the current schedule. Frequently asked questions Who designed the Kurtheater Baden? Lisbeth Sachs, who won the 1939 competition. When did the theatre open? In March 1952. Is the building protected? Yes, it is under heritage protection by the canton of Aargau. What is the Neues Foyer? A second foyer added in the conversion that began in 2018, alongside the historic glass foyer. How much did the modernisation cost? Roughly 34 million Swiss francs. Is it worth seeing if you are not attending a show? Yes, the glass pavilion and the park setting make a pleasant architectural stop on a walk through Baden.
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Schiffbau
Zürich
Schiffbau is a former shipbuilding hall in Zürich-West that now serves as the second stage of the Schauspielhaus Zürich, one of the leading German-language theatres. The industrial building has been turned into an arts complex where the raw character of a factory meets a lively, modern stage. Where does the name Schiffbau come from? The word means "shipbuilding" in German. The surrounding quarter is called Escher Wyss, after the firm Escher Wyss & Cie., which operated here from the mid-19th century. According to available sources, it built more than 600 boats between 1837 and 1914 for Lake Zurich, the Danube and the Black Sea. Shipbuilding here ran until 1940, after which the works concentrated on turbines. How did the hall become a theatre? The building was rebuilt between 1996 and 2000 by the architects Ortner&Ortner, who also extended it. It is protected as a heritage building, so the conversion kept the industrial feel of the interior. Christoph Marthaler opened the Halle in September 2000 with his production "Hotel Angst". What is inside? Halle – the main hall, seating 400 to 600 depending on the staging. Box – a smaller stage with up to 200 seats. Matchbox – an intimate space for 70, run by the Junge Schauspielhaus, the company aimed at young audiences. The building also houses rehearsal stages, workshops and the Schauspielhaus offices. On site you will find the LaSalle restaurant and bar and the Moods jazz club, so an evening here can include more than the performance itself. Who is it for? Theatre lovers, fans of industrial architecture and anyone interested in urban transformation. Even without a ticket, the foyer is worth a look to see how a former shipyard became a cultural venue. Zürich-West is now one of the city's trendiest districts, with old factories converted into galleries, clubs and restaurants. Frequently asked questions What is Schiffbau in Zurich? A former shipbuilding hall, now the second stage of the Schauspielhaus Zürich with three theatre spaces. Is there anything besides theatre? Yes, the LaSalle restaurant and bar and the Moods jazz club are in the same building. How many seats are there? The Halle seats 400 to 600, the Box up to 200 and the Matchbox 70. Is the building listed? Yes, it is under a preservation order. When did the theatre open here? In September 2000, with Christoph Marthaler's production "Hotel Angst". Is it suitable for children? The Junge Schauspielhaus programmes work for young audiences in the Matchbox; check the theatre's website for the current schedule.
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Les Terreaux Chapel
Lausanne
Les Terreaux Chapel (Chapelle des Terreaux) in Lausanne is a former Protestant chapel at Rue des Terreaux 14. Today it is better known as the Centre culturel des Terreaux, a theatre and concert venue in the middle of the Swiss lakeside city. What is the history of the chapel? A first chapel stood on this spot from 1856. The building was rebuilt in 1890, with Théophile van Muyden and Henri Verrey among the architects involved, both well known for late nineteenth-century work in Lausanne. The University of Bern's inventory of Lausanne's sacred buildings places the chapel in its 1850–1900 group and lists it as Reformed. Around the turn of the millennium the building changed purpose, moving from worship to culture. The centre has operated since 2004 and is supported by the Evangelical Reformed Church of the canton of Vaud (EERV). What can you see and do here? The hall seats roughly 300 people. The programme covers theatre, dance and comedy, concerts, exhibitions and debates, and the venue also runs drama classes for adults, seniors and teenagers. The foundation behind it says its aim is to present the Gospel through the arts, yet audiences of all backgrounds attend. The building is a good example of how former city churches in Switzerland find a second life. Its nineteenth-century chapel form is still recognisable, and it now serves as a neighbourhood stage. How do you get there? The chapel is in central Lausanne around Rue des Terreaux, a short walk from downtown and the old town. Coordinates: 46.5230 N, 6.6280 E. You can walk from the railway station, and the city has a dense bus and metro network. Some websites list a different street for the cultural centre, so confirm the address on the organiser's site before you go. When should you visit? You usually see the interior as part of an event, so check the programme and book ahead. Evening performances are the best way to experience the hall in use. Frequently asked questions Is Chapelle des Terreaux still a church? Not in the usual sense. The building works as a cultural centre run by a foundation tied to the Reformed Church of Vaud. When was the chapel built? The first chapel dates from 1856 and the present building from 1890. Who designed the current building? Théophile van Muyden and Henri Verrey. How many people does the hall hold? About 300 spectators.
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sculpture park ZPK
Berno
Skulpturenpark Zentrum Paul Klee (ZPK) is the sculpture park on the grounds of the Zentrum Paul Klee, the Paul Klee museum on the eastern edge of Bern. The garden around the building was planned as part of the same landscape as the architecture, and the sculptures stand outdoors among the plantings rather than in gallery rooms. What will you see in the sculpture park? A gently winding path runs between rows of silver birches, and six sculptures sit along it in an informal arrangement. They are made of bronze and oxidised weathering steel and are the work of Alicia Penalba, Oscar Wiggli and Yves Dana. The pieces come from the contemporary art collection of Martha Müller-Lüthi, a co-founder of the centre, who makes part of it available to the public outdoors. Along the edges of the grounds you will also notice boulders and other geological finds uncovered when the site was excavated for the centre. The ZPK counts around 200 of them, and some now decorate the ponds and the southern border of the garden. What is the setting like? Renzo Piano designed the building. Its three wave-like hills of steel and glass follow the contours that were already in the terrain, so park and architecture read as one composition. In late summer, when the surrounding grain ripens, the hills almost vanish into the fields. The address, Monument im Fruchtland 3, takes its name from a 1929 Klee painting of the same title. How do you get there? Bus 12 from Bern main station runs to the terminus at Zentrum Paul Klee, about 20 minutes, stopping by the north entrance. Tram 7 (towards Ostring) to the end of the line, then roughly a 10-minute walk uphill. By car take the A6 motorway, exit Bern-Ostring; parking is CHF 2.50 per hour. When should you visit? Pick a day with decent weather, when the birches, ponds and views of the building's hills are at their best. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00; check zpk.org for current hours and the rules for entering the garden. You can pair a walk in the park with the museum's collection of around 4,000 Klee works, the largest anywhere, in a building that opened on 20 June 2005. Frequently asked questions Who made the sculptures in the park? Alicia Penalba, Oscar Wiggli and Yves Dana created the six works in bronze and weathering steel. Where is the sculpture park? At the Zentrum Paul Klee, Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3006 Bern, on the city's edge in a green zone beside the motorway. Do you need a museum ticket for the park? According to the ZPK, the art in the park is made publicly accessible free of charge by its owner. Confirm current access rules for the grounds on zpk.org. Where does the address name come from? From Paul Klee's 1929 painting "Monument im Fruchtland". Is the park the same as the museum? No. The sculpture park is the garden on the centre's grounds, while the Klee exhibitions are inside Renzo Piano's building.
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Galerie Knoell Bäumleingasse
Bazylea
Galerie Knoell Bäumleingasse is the second Basel space of the art dealer Carlo Knoell, housed in the Erasmushaus at Bäumleingasse 18 in the Old Town, a short walk from the cathedral square. What is Galerie Knoell? Carlo Knoell, son of the Basel picture framer Thomas Knoell, opened the gallery in 2011. It trades mainly in twentieth-century art on the secondary market and looks after the estates of Swiss and neighbouring-country artists, including Méret Oppenheim and Verena Loewensberg. Its focus includes Constructive art with names such as Max Bill, Karl Gerstner and Georges Vantongerloo. The gallery's own website also lists Per Kirkeby, Markus Lüpertz, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Piet Mondrian. What is the Bäumleingasse space? Exhibitions in the Erasmushaus began in the summer of 2011. For years it served as the gallery's second address next to its main premises at Luftgässlein 4. Today it is the base for inventory and estate management. What changed in 2024? In January 2024 Hauser & Wirth took over the lease on the Luftgässlein 4 premises and hired Carlo Knoell as a senior director. Galerie Knoell AG stopped staging exhibitions and attending fairs, but kept the Bäumleingasse 18 space and continues to manage its holdings. Hauser & Wirth states that it did not buy the gallery or take on its artist representations. How do you get there, and when should you go? Bäumleingasse sits in central Basel, within walking distance of Münsterplatz and Barfüsserplatz. From the main railway station, a tram towards the Old Town or a walk of about fifteen minutes gets you there. Online listings give conflicting opening hours and some are out of date, so contact the gallery before you go: phone +41 61 692 29 88, email [email protected]. With the exhibition programme ended, an appointment is the safest option. What else is nearby? The Old Town makes a good base for a full day on foot. Other galleries are close by, and in fine weather the Rhine embankment is a short stroll away. Basel is one of Switzerland's leading art cities, and every June it hosts the Art Basel fair. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is the gallery? At Bäumleingasse 18, 4051 Basel, in the Erasmushaus. Does it still hold exhibitions? No. Since 2024 Galerie Knoell AG has not run exhibitions or fair appearances. It manages its inventory and artists' estates. Who founded it? Carlo Knoell, in 2011. He is now a senior director at Hauser & Wirth. How can I arrange a visit? Call +41 61 692 29 88 or write to [email protected].
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Last Tango
Zurych
Last Tango in Zürich is an independent exhibition space run by an art association that has been showing emerging contemporary art since 2016. It suits visitors who want a look at Zürich's artist-led scene, away from the big museums and commercial galleries. What is Last Tango? The association was founded in 2016 by Linda Jensen and Arianna Gellini. It presents artists, helps produce new works and supports people early in their careers, both from Zürich and from abroad. Its first show opened in 2017, and since then it has staged more than twenty exhibitions involving around eighty artists and collectives. What will you see? The programme leans towards group shows across many media. Recent exhibitions include: "Gazed and Confused – Chapter 1" (January–March 2022) "In My Nightmare The Title Was Cuteness" (July–August 2023) Hunter Longe and Paulo Wirz (September–November 2023) Fatima Moallim (November 2023 – January 2024) "Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best" by Francesco Cagnin and Sam Porritt (February–April 2024) Beyond exhibitions, the team organises social events such as performances and screenings, and works with local partners including Zürich moves! and the Kunstsammlung des Kantons Zürich. Where is it and how do you check opening times? The space is in the western part of Zürich. Shows change a few times a year and it does not keep museum-style daily hours, so confirm the current exhibition, address and opening days with the organisers before you go. When should you visit? While an exhibition is running, and ideally at an opening night, which is a chance to meet the artists and the local art crowd. Who is it for? Contemporary art fans, anyone curious about alternative spaces, and travellers who want to pair Zürich's headline sights with a smaller, independent venue. Frequently asked questions Is Last Tango a commercial gallery? No. It is an art association that shows and supports artists, often at an early stage. When did it start? The association was founded in 2016 and its first exhibition took place in 2017. What kind of shows are on? Mostly group exhibitions in various media, complemented by performances and screenings. Is there an entry fee? The sources we found give no prices, so check the terms with the organisers before visiting.
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Galerie Alex Schlesinger
Zürich
Galerie Alex Schlesinger is a contemporary art gallery in Zürich's Enge district (Kreis 2), at Tödistrasse 48. Founded in 2003, it focuses on painting that sits between abstraction and figuration. Who is behind the gallery? Alex Schlesinger started out as a language teacher, giving French and Spanish lessons in Zürich. He later studied cultural management, and when a planned Jewish cultural centre in the city never materialised, he decided to open an exhibition space of his own. In an interview with finews.ch he points to an Alex Katz show in Vienna as the experience that steered him toward figurative painting. The gallery is a member of the Association of Swiss Art Galleries and also appears in art-fair line-ups, for example via the Volta platform. What kind of art will you see? The programme is built around contemporary painting. Urban life and architecture recur as themes, and the works range from representational to fully abstract. Artists associated with the gallery include Tobias Weber and Konrad Winter. Sources disagree on the size of the roster, quoting anything from over twenty to twenty-seven artists. The schedule is steady: about seven exhibitions a year, so what hangs on the walls changes several times over twelve months. Check alexschlesinger.ch for the current show before you go. How do you get there, and when should you visit? Enge is a quiet residential and business quarter in the south-west of the city, close to the lake and Zürich Enge station. The gallery is at Tödistrasse 48, reachable by public transport from the centre or on foot along the lakefront. Opening hours vary between directory listings. Some show a Thursday closure, others a Friday afternoon slot. The safest approach is to email [email protected] or consult the official website. Who is it for? Anyone who prefers looking at paintings in a small, uncrowded space to a large museum. It is a commercial gallery, so works are for sale, but browsing is part of the experience. It pairs well with a walk through Enge or a day of gallery-hopping in Zürich. Frequently asked questions Where is Galerie Alex Schlesinger? In Zürich's Enge district (Kreis 2), at Tödistrasse 48. When did it open? In 2003. What does it show? Mainly contemporary painting between abstraction and figuration, with urban and architectural motifs. How can I confirm opening hours? Listings contradict each other, so check alexschlesinger.ch or write to [email protected].
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Lullin + Ferrari
Zürich
Lullin + Ferrari is a contemporary art gallery in Zurich's Zürich-West district, at Limmatstrasse 214 (8005). Corrado Ferrari and Etienne Lullin opened it in 2008. The programme leans toward conceptual art and pairs established names with artists early in their careers. It makes an easy stop on a gallery walk through the city, especially near the former Löwenbräu complex. What is Lullin + Ferrari? The project began in January 2008 with a print show called "Dedicated". The first solo exhibition presented work by the English sculptor Bill Woodrow. Over the years the gallery has staged more than a hundred shows, and it marks "Surprise, Surprise!" as its 100th. Two strands run through the programme: long-term work with artists who already have a firm reputation, and support for those just starting out. What ties them together is idea-driven work where thinking meets formal discipline. The gallery keeps close ties with collectors, museum curators and fellow dealers, so exhibitions often feature names familiar on the European scene. Which artists will you see? The roster includes Michael Bauch, Benedikte Bjerre, Anne-Lise Coste, Klodin Erb, Franziska Furter, Pierre Haubensak, Clare Goodwin, Mamiko Otsubo and the duo wiedemann/mettler, among others. The range covers painting and drawing as well as sculpture and installation. Since the expansion, the space can host up to three solo shows at once. What is the space like? The gallery grew in 2020–2021 and now covers about 180 m². That allows larger works and several exhibitions side by side. Shows are accompanied by guided tours, artist talks and lectures, so check the event calendar before you go. When can you visit? Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00. The gallery is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Entry to exhibitions is normally free, as at most commercial galleries. Good times to come are exhibition openings and Zurich's art weekends, when many galleries in the area extend their programmes. For current shows, such as Anne Morgenstern's "Sunset Sour" (September to October 2026), confirm details on lullinferrari.com. How do you get there? Limmatstrasse lies in the Zürich-West area, a walk of roughly fifteen minutes from Zürich main station and close to Löwenbräu. Other galleries and cultural venues are nearby, so the visit fits neatly into an afternoon in this part of town. The gallery's phone number is +41 43 205 26 07. Frequently asked questions When was Lullin + Ferrari founded? In 2008, by Corrado Ferrari and Etienne Lullin. What kind of art does it show? Mostly contemporary, conceptually minded work by both established and emerging artists. Is admission charged? Commercial gallery exhibitions are usually free, but ask the gallery if you want to be sure. Which days is it open? Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 to 18:00, and Saturday, 11:00 to 17:00.
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Galerie Rössli
Balstahl
Galerie Rössli in Balsthal is a small art gallery at Herrengasse 8 in Balsthal, in the Thal region of the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. It has shown work by artists tied to the canton for decades and is one of the best-known local addresses for contemporary art lovers. How did the gallery begin? The story starts in 1968. An exhibition staged for the village's 1000th anniversary opened in the basement of the Restaurant Rössli, and a permanent gallery grew out of it. One account also mentions a former greengrocer's shop converted into exhibition space. The early years were eventful, and the real turning point came in 1996. Who runs it and what is on show? In 1996 a team of volunteers took over and gave the gallery a clear profile: six exhibitions a year devoted to Solothurn artists. After twenty years the team had put on more than a hundred shows. In 2010 the cantonal culture board and government honoured it with a prize for cultural outreach. The gallery also works beyond its own walls. One example is NEUBEKANNT in 2000, a project pairing lesser-known artists in double exhibitions. What will you see? The space is intimate, so a visit is usually short. Shows change roughly every two months and present painting, prints and other visual arts by regional creators. A Ruth Berger exhibition was announced for late summer 2026. Check the current programme before you travel. When should you visit? The gallery opens around its exhibitions rather than daily. A 2020 flyer listed Sunday hours from 11:00 to 14:00, with visits at other times by appointment. Dates can vary with each show, so confirm them on the gallery's website or the Balsthal events listing. How do you get there? Herrengasse 8 is in the centre of Balsthal, so the gallery pairs easily with a stroll through the village. Balsthal is the main settlement of the Thal region, at the foot of the Jura range, and can be reached by road or public transport from nearby towns in the canton. Frequently asked questions Is there an admission fee? The sources do not state a fixed fee. The organisers give details with each exhibition. How many exhibitions are held each year? Six. This has been the team's steady rhythm since 1996. Whose work is shown? Mainly artists connected with the canton of Solothurn, both established names and lesser-known creators. Can I visit on a weekday? Yes, by prior arrangement with the gallery team. Regular opening falls on Sunday around midday.
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Kunstplattform akku
Emmen
Kunstplattform akku in Emmen is a contemporary art venue in Emmenbrücke, a short hop from Lucerne. It occupies a former dispatch hall of the Viscose factory, known as Building 716 and dating from the 1950s. The raw industrial space, roughly 500 square metres, now serves as a gallery hall and cultural meeting point. What is akku? The platform opened in 2010 and is run by the non-profit Stiftung akku Emmen, founded in 2008 as the successor to Galerie Gersag Emmen. Its remit covers gallery work, art education and outreach, and a cultural meeting place for Emmen and the surrounding region. The building also forms part of the planned Viscosistadt district on the old factory grounds. What will you see? Between four and six contemporary art exhibitions are staged every year. Around them you will find guided tours, talks, readings, concerts, performances and publications. In 2017 akku took part in "Fortsetzung folgt", a three-part series shared with Kunstmuseum Luzern that presented work by about 20 artists to mark the 140th anniversary of Lucerne's Design & Art school. How do you get there? The address is Gerliswilstrasse 23, 6020 Emmenbrücke. Public transport is the easiest option: S1 and S9 trains leave Luzern station and take about five minutes, and VBL bus 2 stops at Emmenbrücke Bahnhof and Viscosistadt. There is no parking in front of the building; the nearest car park is the Parkhaus at Gerliswilstrasse 42, plus parking at the station. When should you visit, and what does it cost? The hall is open Friday and Saturday from 2 to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is CHF 6, reduced CHF 3, and free for children and young people up to 15. Dates for each show are listed in the programme section of akku-emmen.ch. Frequently asked questions Does akku have a permanent collection? No. It presents temporary contemporary art shows, so the content changes several times a year. How long should I plan for a visit? About an hour covers the current exhibition. Allow more if you attend a tour, concert or reading. Can I reach it from Lucerne without a car? Yes. Take the S1 or S9 to Emmenbrücke, a ride of around five minutes, and the venue is a short walk away. Is there an entrance fee? Yes: CHF 6 for adults, CHF 3 for reduced tickets, and nothing for visitors up to 15.
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Karma International
Zürich
Karma International is a contemporary art gallery in Zürich, Switzerland, based in the Wiedikon district close to Zürich Wiedikon railway station. It is one of the city's best-known galleries of its generation and regularly takes part in the Art Basel fair. What is Karma International? Marina Olsen and Karolina Dankow set up the gallery at the end of the 2000s. It began as a non-commercial venture: for roughly its first two years the founders ran a purely curatorial programme with no sales focus, and only afterwards did it become a commercial gallery. An earlier project by the same team ran in Zürich's Enge neighbourhood, and the gallery has moved several times, eventually settling near Wiedikon. What will you see? The programme centres on recent and experimental art. Artists associated with the gallery include Pamela Rosenkranz, Ida Ekblad and David Hominal. Later additions brought in the estate of Meret Oppenheim and the work of Sylvie Fleury, placing living artists alongside figures from the Swiss avant-garde. Shows change every few weeks. The 2026 calendar included exhibitions on Irène Zurkinden (27 March to 23 May) and Urban Zellweger. From 2015 to 2020 the gallery also operated a second space in Los Angeles. In 2020 it opened an additional Zürich room across from the main premises, used for smaller, more experimental presentations. How do you get there? The gallery sits in the western part of the city, about 2 km from Zürich main station. Take an S-Bahn train or a tram to Wiedikon and walk a few minutes. From the old town it is around 15 minutes by tram. When should you visit? Entry is normally free, and opening hours cover afternoons from Tuesday to Saturday. Check karmainternational.ch for the current schedule and exhibition. Zurich Art Weekend is a good moment to go, when local galleries hold openings and welcome larger crowds. Wiedikon is a quiet residential area with cafés, so the visit combines easily with a walk. Good to know Karma International is not a museum with a permanent collection. You go for the current show, and every visit is different. A visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. It pairs well with other contemporary art stops in Zürich, such as the Kunsthaus Zürich or the galleries in Zürich West. Frequently asked questions Is admission charged? Commercial galleries typically do not charge, and this one follows that practice. Who founded Karma International? Marina Olsen and Karolina Dankow, who started with a non-commercial curatorial programme. Does the gallery have a branch outside Switzerland? From 2015 to 2020 it ran a second space in Los Angeles. Today it focuses on Zürich, where it has two neighbouring locations. How do you reach it from the main station? Take an S-Bahn to Wiedikon station or a tram towards Wiedikon, then walk a few minutes.
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MACT/CACT Contemporary Art Ticino
Bellinzona
MACT/CACT Arte Contemporanea Ticino is a contemporary art museum and exhibition centre in Bellinzona, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino. You will find it at Via Tamaro 3, in the Italian-speaking south of Switzerland. What is MACT/CACT? The story begins in 1994 with the CACT, the Centro d'Arte Contemporanea Ticino. It was set up to stage international contemporary art shows and to publish thematic catalogues. In 2009 it became MACT/CACT when a museum, the MACT, was added. The collection now grows through deposits and loans from private collectors and concentrates on emerging art. What can you see there? The building holds five exhibition rooms, along with offices and storage. Temporary exhibitions are produced together with museums and art centres in Switzerland and abroad, so the line-up changes regularly. Check the institution's website for the current show before you go. The centre sits in a residential district rather than among the town's main sights, so plan a separate trip for it. When should you visit, and what does it cost? It opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm. The official site lists CHF 6 for a regular ticket and CHF 4 for students, and the standard price goes up to CHF 7 on 1 January 2027. Entry is free with the Swiss Museums Passport or a Raiffeisen card, and for children up to 10. CACT membership cards, offered since 1996, give free entry to several Swiss museums and art centres and one museum in Italy. The Italian-language listing also mentions visits by appointment. Who is it for? It suits anyone curious about current art who prefers a small venue: five rooms can be seen in a relaxed hour or so. It makes a good addition to a day in Bellinzona, a town better known for its UNESCO-listed castles. Frequently asked questions Where is MACT/CACT? At Via Tamaro 3, 6500 Bellinzona, in Ticino, Switzerland. What are the opening hours? Friday to Sunday, 2 pm to 6 pm, with other times by appointment. How much is a ticket? CHF 6 regular and CHF 4 for students, per the official site. From 2027 the regular price is CHF 7. Children up to 10 enter free. Is there a permanent collection? The museum is building a collection of emerging art from private deposits and loans, but temporary exhibitions are the main draw.
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Pavillon Le Corbusier
Zürich
Pavillon Le Corbusier (Le Corbusier Centre) in Zurich is a brightly coloured steel-and-glass pavilion on the shore of Lake Zurich, in the Zürichhorn park of the Seefeld district. Completed in 1967, it was the architect's final building and the only one where steel, not concrete, takes the lead. How did a Le Corbusier pavilion end up on the lakeshore? Zurich gallery owner Heidi Weber drove the project. She won Le Corbusier over and secured a fifty-year building lease from the city. Construction began in 1964; the architect died in 1965, and a new team finished the job. The building first opened as the Heidi Weber Museum. When the lease ran out in 2014, ownership passed to the City of Zurich. Silvio Schmed and Arthur Rüegg led a renovation from 2017 to 2019, and the pavilion reopened under its current name. It is now run by the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. What will you see inside? Enamelled colour panels and glass walls hang on a steel frame, topped by a separate parasol roof. Inside, the layout shows how Le Corbusier thought about space: open, flexible, with ramps and levels that lead you from room to room. Exhibitions rotate. In 2026 the pavilion showed "Bauen für die Macht" (Building for Power), and guided tours run through the season, some in English. How do you get there, and when should you go? The address is Höschgasse 8, 8008 Zürich. The Höschgasse stop is served by trams 11 and 15 and buses 33 and 916. Afterwards, stroll the Zürichhorn waterfront and the nearby Chinese Garden. The pavilion is seasonal. In 2026 it opened from 17 April to 29 November, Tuesday to Sunday 12:00-18:00, until 20:00 on Thursdays. Check the pavilion's website before you go, as holidays and special events change the hours. Admission is charged; in 2026 the tours were included in the ticket price. Contact: [email protected]. Frequently asked questions Is the pavilion open all year? No. It opens in spring and closes at the end of November. Who designed it? Le Corbusier, though it was finished after his death. Heidi Weber started the project and ran it first. Do children get in free? In the 2024 season, children under 16 entered free. Confirm current rules before visiting. How long should I plan? About an hour inside; with a walk along the lake, it makes a half-day outing.
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Kunsthaus Langenthal
Langenthal
Kunsthaus Langenthal is a contemporary art gallery in Langenthal, in the Swiss canton of Bern and the Oberaargau region. It sits at Marktgasse 13, in a historic former department-store building in the town centre. It has run as an art house since 1992 and focuses on changing exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. What will you see at Kunsthaus Langenthal? The programme centres on temporary shows of current Swiss art. Thematic group exhibitions and international positions appear too, depending on the subject. Up to eight exhibitions are staged per year, so the rooms look different several times a season. The house also shows historical photography from time to time. Beyond exhibitions, expect guided tours, children's workshops, readings, concerts, performances and artist talks. The Kunsthaus has taken part in Langenthal's Kulturnacht since it began, and it is a member of the Swiss Art Association (Schweizerischer Kunstverein). How do you get there? Langenthal lies in canton Bern between Bern and Zurich. The gallery stands in the old-town area on Marktgasse, a short walk from the centre. Check the SBB timetable for train connections. When to visit and what does it cost? According to the Swiss museum directory, opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 2-5 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Other days are possible by arrangement. Holiday hours are listed on kunsthauslangenthal.ch. Admission is listed at CHF 8 standard and CHF 5 reduced; confirm current prices before you go. Can you combine it with other sights? Yes. A visit takes around an hour, which fits a stroll through Langenthal or a tour of other Oberaargau galleries. The Kunsthaus opened shortly after Galerie 89 in nearby Aarwangen, and both belong to the region's contemporary-art scene. Frequently asked questions Does Kunsthaus Langenthal have a permanent collection? No. It is a gallery for temporary exhibitions, so each visit shows a different programme. What are the opening hours? Wednesday to Friday afternoons (2-5 pm), weekends 10 am-5 pm, otherwise by arrangement. How much is admission? Listed at CHF 8 standard and CHF 5 reduced. Where is it? Marktgasse 13, Langenthal, canton Bern, Switzerland.
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Galerie Tschudi
Zuoz
Galerie Tschudi in Zuoz is a contemporary art gallery in the Upper Engadine, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It occupies Chesa Madalena, a medieval house on the village's historic main square (Somvih 4, 7524 Zuoz), and is one of the leading venues for international art in the Swiss Alps. What is the gallery? Ruedi Tschudi and Elsbeth Bisig founded it in Glarus in 1985. The Zuoz space opened in December 2002 and became the main gallery in 2005. A second address followed in Zurich in September 2022, on Rämistrasse, yet Zuoz remains the headquarters. The Swiss architect Hans-Jörg Ruch led the modernisation of the old house, so the historic shell now holds clean, modern exhibition rooms. What will you see? The programme mixes international and Swiss contemporary artists, with a strong line in Minimal art, Land Art and Arte Povera. Names linked to the gallery include Richard Long, Hamish Fulton, Carl Andre, Alan Charlton, Mario Merz and Bethan Huws. Shows change several times a year; summer 2026 featured Kemang Wa Lehulere alongside the group exhibition "House". When can you visit? Exhibitions are normally free to enter, and the gallery runs in both summer and winter seasons. During open periods it keeps Tuesday to Saturday hours, typically 3 to 6.30 pm. It closes between seasons, for example from 20 September to 31 October 2026. Check galerie-tschudi.ch for the current programme before you go. How do you get to Zuoz? Zuoz lies in the Inn valley, some kilometres east of St. Moritz. Reach it by Rhaetian Railway through the Engadine or by car along the main valley road. The gallery stands on the central square, a few minutes' walk from anywhere in the village. What else is nearby? Zuoz is known for its preserved Engadine architecture: thick-walled houses with deep window recesses and decorative sgraffito. A stroll through the lanes pairs well with a gallery visit. Hiking and cycling routes start close by, and cross-country trails open in winter. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Galerie Tschudi? In Zuoz, on the main square, in the Chesa Madalena building at Somvih 4. What kind of art does it show? Contemporary art, chiefly Minimal, Land Art and Arte Povera, plus Swiss artists. Is it open in winter? Yes, it operates in both seasons but pauses between exhibition periods. Check the website for hours. Does the gallery have other locations? Yes, in Zurich since 2022, on Rämistrasse. Zuoz is the main seat.
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Centre PasquArt
Biel/Bienne
Centre PasquArt in Biel/Bienne is a contemporary art centre in the canton of Bern, housed in the city's former hospital. It combines a Kunsthaus for current art, a photography space and an independent cinema under one roof, and it anchors the art scene of this bilingual lakeside town. What is Centre PasquArt? The complex sits on the foothills of the Jura. Its neoclassical main building went up between 1864 and 1866 and served as the fourth hospital in the history of Biel/Bienne. Once medical care moved elsewhere, the building was given over to art: the first exhibition opened in part of it in December 1990. The name comes from the Pasquart district and now stands for the whole cultural centre. What will you see inside? The core is the Kunsthaus Centre PasquArt, which focuses on contemporary art through solo and thematic exhibitions, occasionally with a historical angle. Its collection holds more than 1,800 works by Swiss and German artists, with an emphasis on people tied to the Biel/Bienne region. Other tenants in the same building: PhotoforumPasquart, devoted exclusively to photography, on the second floor of the old hospital, Filmpodium, a non-commercial cinema, an education programme for children, schools and adults, run with Nouveau Musée Bienne. What about the architecture? In the 1990s the old hospital was thoroughly renovated and a modern annex was added on its eastern side, designed by Basel architects Diener & Diener (work ran from 1994 to 1999). The contrast between the classical block and the austere new wing makes the building worth a look even before you step inside. A foundation, Stiftung Centre PasquArt, founded in 1994, runs the premises. Why visit? Visual art, photography and film sit at a single address, so you can fill half a day without crossing town. Exhibitions rotate, so no two visits are alike. Expect German and French as the main languages of presentation, in line with the city's bilingual character. Frequently asked questions Where is Centre PasquArt? In Biel/Bienne, canton of Bern, Switzerland, inside the former city hospital at roughly 47.139 N, 7.240 E. Is it only an art gallery? No. Besides the Kunsthaus, the building hosts PhotoforumPasquart and the non-commercial Filmpodium cinema. Who designed the modern part? The Basel firm Diener & Diener, which also handled the renovation of the old building between 1994 and 1999. Where can I check opening hours and current shows? On the official website, pasquart.ch, since the programme changes through the year.
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