Often touted as a banking and financial powerhouse, Zurich is a city that has several aces up its sleeve. Apart from several interesting sights that span history, nature and architecture, the city is home to a bustling art and culture scene. From insightful museums and engaging art spaces to vibrant street art and artistic installations, Zurich is a haven for art and culture lovers. Here are some of the best things to do if you are looking to chase art in the banking city of the world.
Kunsthaus Zürich
This one is the largest art museum in Switzerland and boasts of a vast collection of art right from the 13th century to the current day. Apart from works of greats like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Chagall, the museum also features works of the late 20th and 21st century by artists like Warhol, Rothko, and Beuys. The majestic building of the museum has been recently renovated with the addition of a new block in 2021 designed by David Chipperfield. Apart from permanent exhibits, the museum hosts insightful temporary exhibitions by artists of international caliber periodically. The museum which is a dynamic institution in itself is extensively involved in art education and conducts workshops for both children and adults.
Landesmuseum
Also called the Swiss National Museum, this one is located in the center of the old town. Dating to the late 19th century, the museum houses a treasure trove of information related to the prehistoric times and the Middle Ages. From gothic art to panel paintings and collections in wood and porcelain, the museum is truly worth a visit if you are an arts and culture buff. While here do not miss the permanent exhibition titled “Simply Zurich” which throws light on the history and culture of Switzerland’s largest metropolis. The beautiful courtyard space of the museum is home to several concerts and events and is a popular haunt with locals and tourists alike.
Zurich Fountains – Art on the Street
Finding exquisite fountains most of them dispensing fresh drinking water is a common sight when you stroll the streets of Zurich. Replete with ornate designs and intricate sculptures, these fountains are wonderful works of art. While some are commemorative others are decorative. Watch out for the Alfred Escher monumental fountain located at Bahnofplatz right in front of the main station whose detailed design makes it truly attractive. The Bambi Fountain is one of the city’s most popular fountains dedicated to the heartwarming fawn created by Walt Disney. Some fountains are modern in design and have a contemporary vibe. Most of these fountains are filled with roses during early spring especially during the Easter season. With over 1200 water fountains, Zurich has a fountain themed city tour as well as an app that lists all the city’s fountains.
Vivacious Street Art
Zurich is known for its vibrant street art scene with colorful murals and graffiti on the street walls, trains stations, train tracks and even on trains. Go along Cassiopeia boardwalk which takes you all the way along the left bank of Lake Zurich to witness some eclectic street art. The city is also home to a few culturalvcommunity centers like Rote Fabrik and Oberer Letten which are filled with works of street artists. Further areas along the Limmat, Josefstrasse 42, Rötelstrasse 98 and Köchlistrasse 19 also have beautiful artwork that adorn the vicinity. Many of the city’s murals have been done by One Truth which is a studio specializing in Graffiti and contemporary art.
If you are fan of artsy and bohemian vibes, Zurich West is an area not be missed. An erstwhile industrial area that has transformed into a high-spirited cultural center, this locality has a number of quirky installations, edgy ateliers and art galleries. Kunst Halle Zurich is a renowned gallery which exhibits works by young and established contemporary artists.
Apart from the above, Photobasteiwhich is a sprawling exhibition of fashion, wildlife and documentary photography is an interesting place to visit. It is also a venue for concerts and one can enjoy a drink or two while admiring the essence of the pictures. The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art is yet another engaging museum. This one was founded in 1996 and is dedicated to contemporary art in Zürich. Run by the cooperative society Migros which is a famous supermarket chain of Switzerland, the museum is spread over two floors and has works by around 700 artists.
