Basel – Switzerland’s culture capital and city of architecture

Basel is a place of exciting contrasts. While classical modernism and street art may seem like they are worlds apart, both have a prominent place here. The number of buildings designed by world-famous architects in such close proximity is unsurpassed, all in the midst of an architectural setting that has evolved over centuries. We are in flux, constantly reshaping ourselves. So every time you come to Basel, you’ll discover something new.

Basel is the perfect place to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of art. Around 40 museums, the world’s largest art fair and a lively, young art scene make Basel a compact city of culture with an appeal that extends well beyond Europe. The Fondation Beyeler is one of the most beautiful museums in the world and is renowned internationally for its prestigious exhibitions, its important collection of classical modernism and contemporary art and its ambitious schedule of events. Museum Tinguely houses the largest collection of works by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, while the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the best-known museums of its kind in the world, is home to the world’s oldest public art collection.

Kunstmuseum Basel

Exhibition: Dan Flavin. Dedications in Lights (2 March – 18 August 2024, Neubau)

American artist Dan Flavin (1933–1996) was a pioneer of Minimal Art. He rose to fame in the 1960s with his work with industrially manufactured fluorescent tubes, inventing a new art form and securing his place in art history. The exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel focuses on his works that are dedicated to other artists or make reference to certain events.

Fondation Beyeler

Summer Show (19 May – 11 August 2024)

For the first time in the Fondation Beyeler’s more than 25- year history, the entire museum and its surrounding park will be transformed into the site of an experimental presentation of contemporary art. The Summer Show is conceived as a “living organism” that changes and transforms throughout its duration. Connections and interrelationships between individual works are developed in close dialogue with the artists. This exchange also extends to works from the in-house collection, which are an integral part of the project.

Museum Tinguely

Exhibition: Otto Piene. Paths to Paradise – (7 February – 12 May 2024)

Otto Piene (1928−2014) aimed high with his art: to shape a more harmonious, peaceful, and sustainable world. His expansive view explored new media and projected aesthetic forms and experiences into new spatial realms.

Structured thematically, the monographic exhibition “Otto Piene: Paths to Paradise” traces his utopian vision as expressed in works from his most significant series and projects in conversation with his lifelong practice of sketching.

Street Art in Basel

There is street art everywhere in Basel. Follow in the footsteps of gifted pros and newcomers to the urban art scene.

ARTour

Art in a new dimension: Discover 10 works of digital art at various locations around Basel and bring them to life with the ARTour app and your smartphone’s camera. The ARTour app is available for free from the App Store and Google Play.

For more information about life in Switzerland visit:  myswitzerland.com/expats