ZURICH
If ever Zürich was accused of being a bit beige, it was because it was hiding the colour in its museums and art halls. With new bohemian and hipster districts, and plans to expand the current offers in the city, Zürich is fast becoming a fun destination with much more to enjoy than just fine watches and chocolates.
KUNSTHAUS ZÜRICH
WEBSITE: WWW.KUNSTHAUS.CH
VISIT TIME: 1.5 HOURS
Housing the state collection, the Kunsthaus is being expanded to accommodate the 4,000 works (and 100,000 works on paper) that make up the collection. As of 2020 more will be on view with the David Chipperfield designed extension, but this should not deter a visit in the meantime. The works which are on view are excellent masterpieces including Giacometti (the Giacometti floor is particularly touching), Varlin, Tinguely and Fischli/Weiss. What I would not miss is the luscious Karl Moser designed 19th and 20th century galleries. These have some beautiful Swiss and Nordic works displayed in breathtaking elaborate surroundings.
CABARET VOLTAIRE
WEBSITE: WWW.HAUSDERKUNST.DE
VISIT TIME: 20 MINUTES (OR MUCH LONGER IF YOU STAY FOR DRINKS)
The birthplace of the Dada art movement, the website would lead you to believe that there is much to see and do here in this little corner of the old town of Zürich. Unless you are planning extensive research on the subject, this space is, in essence, a bar and coffee house with a small exhibition space and shop. The space is as it would have been when the founders of Dada met there in 1916 and hatched the Dadaist manifesto. Enjoy a slow drink, leaf through the many books on the subject, and visit the small exhibition space at the back with rotating displays.
LÖWENBRÄUKUNST
WEBSITE: WWW.LOEWENBRAEUKUNST.CH
VISIT TIME: 2 HOURS
This brewery-turned-arts-complex conveniently houses some prestigious tenants making it easy to see Zürich’s newest and finest all under one roof. It is a bit confusing from the site to understand what’s on and even on entering it is easy to cross from one organisation to another without realising. Helpful staff are on hand to direct you and Im Viadukt is across the street should you need a refreshment break (or your chocolate fix, this is Switzerland after all).
Here are some of the organisations within the building which are not to be missed:
Kunsthalle Zurich
With a challenging programme of exhibitions, talks and events, the Kunsthalle features cutting-edge artists, both young and established in their careers.
Hauser and With, Zurich
One of the world’s top commercial galleries and this space is so big it says: yes, we are that successful. Great, top quality international artists with a rich body of work.
The Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst
A child of corporate responsibility (Migros is a successful chain of supermarkets in Switzerland), the Migros Museum occupies two floors of the Lowenbraukunst building and exhibits works from the collection as well as working with artists in new exhibitions.
PHOTOBASTEI 2.0
WEBSITE: WWW.PHOTOBASTEI.CH
VISIT TIME: 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR
With a distinctly grotty student feel, the Photobastei is home for photography in Zürich and indeed Switzerland. It sprawls across two floors of a large converted warehouse and is liberal in its programming – so long as its photography based. The exhibitions are international and include fashion, documentary photography, experimental, journalism, wildlife photography, and more. There is a large stage and couches on the second floor where, in the evenings, edgy local bands play and cocktails are served. You can roam the exhibitions with a drink in hand and enjoy the noisy buzz of the scene.