Kunsthaus

Kunsthaus is Zurich’s best art museum.  It opened in 1910 and was designed by architect Karl Moser in the Greek Revival style.  The facade is a little drab, but it belies the excellent collection housed inside.  Many of the European masters are represented here, though the museum features some of their lesser works.  Painters include Edward Munch, Marc Chagall, Vincent Van Gogh, and Salvador Dali to name a few.

The collection is quite eclectic, in terms of both era and styles.  It starts in the Medieval period and moves through the southern and northern Renaissance, the Baroque, Impressionism, and up to the present.  It offers an excellent overview of the development of European art.  The modern stuff is especially interesting, though some of it may be an acquired taste.  One highlight is the works of Johann Heinrich Füssli, some of which are quite grotesque.

The big weakness is the lack of famous paintings, but if you know what to expect you won’t be disappointed.  The museum is in the process of expanding, so you may have to deal with construction.  A new building is being constructed across the street, to be connected via underground tunnel.  This is the best art museum in Zurich, and also a pleasant place to visit.  The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed.  It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to see everything.

Address: Heimplatz 1, Kreis 1, Zurich
Telephone: +41 044 253 8484
Website: www.kunsthaus.ch/en
Hours:
Open 10:00-20:00 Wednesday through Friday; 10:00-18:00 Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday.
Closed Monday.
Admission:
CHF 18.00 Adults
CHF 12.00 Concessions