Kunsthaus Zürich 🇨🇭

If you appreciate world-class art and stunning design, the Kunsthaus Zürich belongs on your Swiss itinerary. As the largest art museum in Switzerland by area, this remarkable landmark features an incredible collection assembled by the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft nonprofit art society. As you explore, you will discover works spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with a strong focus on Swiss heritage.

Step inside the historic original building, drawn up by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel and opened in 1910, to admire preserved Moser interiors decorated in a masterful Neo-Grec Secession style alongside facade bas-reliefs by Oskar Kiefer. Across Heimplatz, connected by an underground basement link, stands the massive rectangular sandstone-covered extension designed by David Chipperfield. Within these expansive facilities, you will see major masterpieces by internationally renowned icons like Claude Monet—including an enormous water lily painting—Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, René Magritte, and Joseph Beuys.

The museum also proudly highlights celebrated Swiss artists, showcasing exceptional pieces by Alberto Giacometti, Johann Heinrich Füssli, Ferdinand Hodler, Pipilotti Rist, and Peter Fischli. You will also find a commemorative plaque at Lydia Welti-Escher Hof honoring prominent art patron Lydia Escher.

What to see at Kunsthaus Zürich

• Expansive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, emphasizing Swiss talent
• Masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Magritte, Munch, and Alberto Giacometti
• Original 1910 Moser building featuring preserved Neo-Grec Secession interiors
• Massive rectangular sandstone-covered Chipperfield extension connected via underground link
• Commemorative plaque honoring Zurich art patron Lydia Escher at the Lydia Welti-Escher Hof

Visiting tips

Visit on a Wednesday to take advantage of free admission to the collection for all visitors.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Wednesday

How to get there & what’s nearby

Kunsthaus Zürich is easy to reach on Zurich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Zürich Opera House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Zurich travel guide.