All modern art museums to visit in Switzerland

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 50 museums in Switzerland. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in Switzerland:

  1. Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)1

    Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)

     Zurich
    The Kunsthaus Zürich is the largest art museum in Switzerland in terms of area. It is home to one of the most significant art collections in the country, which has been assembled over time by the local art association, Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on Swiss art.
  2. Swiss National Museum2

    Swiss National Museum

     Zurich
    The Swiss National Museum in Zurich, also known as Landesmuseum Zürich, is the primary branch of the Swiss National Museum. It is conveniently located near Zurich Central Station, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum is dedicated to the cultural history of Switzerland, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's rich heritage.
  3. Museum of Art and history3

    Museum of Art and history

     Geneva
    The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, or the Museum of Art and History, is the largest art museum in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering a vast collection of art and historical artifacts. The museum's size and extensive collection make it a notable destination for art and history enthusiasts visiting Geneva.
  4. Zentrum Paul Klee4

    Zentrum Paul Klee

     Bern
    The Zentrum Paul Klee (ZPK) in Bern, a museum designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, was officially opened to the public on June 20, 2005. This information is useful for tourists who are interested in architecture and the history of the museum.
  5. Rosengart Collection Museum5

    Rosengart Collection Museum

     Lucerne
    The Rosengart Collection Museum, also known as Museum Sammlung Rosengart, is an art museum situated in the beautiful city of Lucerne in Switzerland. This museum is a significant cultural landmark in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a vast collection of modern art.
  6. Rath Museum6

    Rath Museum

     Geneva
    The Rath Museum, located in Geneva, Switzerland, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It initially housed a variety of collections, including 23 paintings from the Louvre, which were originally kept in the town hall, Calabri, and Saint-Germain church. These collections were moved to the Museum of Art and History of Geneva when it opened in 1910.
  7. Art Brut Museum7

    Art Brut Museum

     Lausanne
    La Collection de l'Art Brut, located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a unique museum that houses a diverse range of works created by self-taught artists. These artists, for various reasons, lived predominantly in conditions of social and cultural isolation. The museum provides a platform for these artists to express their creativity and imagination, free from cultural and social conditioning.
  8. Beyeler Foundation8

    Beyeler Foundation

     Riehen
    The Beyeler Foundation is a cultural institution based in Riehen, a town located in close proximity to the city of Basel in Switzerland. This private institution is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art pieces gathered by Ernst Beyeler and his wife Hildy. It is recognized as the most visited art museum in Switzerland, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts visiting the country.
  9. Museum of Fine Arts Bern9

    Museum of Fine Arts Bern

     Bern
    The Museum of Fine Arts Bern, also known as Kunstmuseum, is a public institution situated in the city of Bern, Switzerland. The museum's primary focus is on Western artistic production, offering a comprehensive insight into various art forms and periods.
  10. Bündner Kunstmuseum10

    Bündner Kunstmuseum

     Chur
    The Bündner Kunstmuseum, located in the historic Villa Planta and an extension building from 2016, is a significant cultural institution in the canton of Graubünden. It primarily showcases exhibits by artists from Grisons and other parts of Switzerland, offering visitors a unique insight into the region's artistic heritage.
  11. Kunstmuseum Thun11

    Kunstmuseum Thun

     Thun
    The Kunstmuseum Thun is situated in the former Hotel «Thunerhof» in Thun, in the Swiss canton of Bern. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate both art and history.
  12. Coninx-Museum12

    Coninx-Museum

     Zurich
    The collection of the Coninx Museum, which was built between 1945 and 1980, was diverse and extensive. It included Swiss figurative art of the 19th and 20th centuries, international print graphics, works by old masters, African tribal art, and Far Eastern art.
  13. Schaulager13

    Schaulager

     Münchenstein
    Schaulager is a private museum located in Münchenstein, in the Swiss canton of Basel-Landschaft. It is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The construction of the museum began in 2002 and it was officially opened to the public in 2003.
  14. Pavillon Le Corbusier14

    Pavillon Le Corbusier

     Zurich
    The Centre Le Corbusier is a unique architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. This building is a testament to the creative genius of Le Corbusier, a renowned Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, and urban planner. It serves as a museum and an exhibition space, offering visitors a chance to explore the life and works of Le Corbusier.
  15. Museum zu Allerheiligen15

    Museum zu Allerheiligen

     Schaffhausen
    The Museum zu Allerheiligen, located in the old town of Schaffhausen, is a significant cultural institution in the region. It is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of All Saints, adding a historical and architectural charm to the museum. The museum's location in the old town makes it easily accessible for tourists and provides a unique backdrop for the diverse collections it houses.
  16. Aargau Art House16

    Aargau Art House

     Aarau
    The Aargau Art House, also known as the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Argovie, is an art museum situated in the city of Aarau in Switzerland. This museum is a significant cultural institution that showcases a wide range of Swiss art, making it a notable destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  17. Kunstmuseum Luzern17

    Kunstmuseum Luzern

     Lucerne
    The Kunstmuseum Luzern, established in 1932, is situated within the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre, also known as KKL Luzern. This museum is one of the most significant art museums in Switzerland, renowned for its rotating exhibitions of all genres, including contemporary art.
  18. MAMCO-Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art18

    MAMCO-Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

     Geneva
    The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, also known as MAMCO, has a rich history that dates back to 1973 when the idea of its establishment was first conceived. However, it was not until 1994 that the museum was officially opened in its own building in Geneva. This information provides a glimpse into the museum's long-standing commitment to promoting modern and contemporary art.
  19. Fine Arts Museum Basel19

    Fine Arts Museum Basel

     Basel
    The Kunstmuseum Basel houses the world's oldest public art collection and is widely regarded as Switzerland's most important art museum. Its lineage traces back to the Amerbach Cabinet, which included a collection of works by Hans Holbein that were purchased by the city of Basel and the University of Basel in 1661, making it the world's first municipal and thus publicly accessible museum.
  20. Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz20

    Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz

     Winterthur
    The Sammlung Oskar Reinhart "Am Römerholz" is an art museum situated in the Swiss city of Winterthur. The museum is located in the former residence of Oskar Reinhart, a prominent art collector who lived from 1885 to 1965. Reinhart's extensive collection of art is housed in this museum, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore his diverse and rich collection.
  21. Art Museum Solothurn21

    Art Museum Solothurn

     Solothurn
    The Art Museum Solothurn, which opened its doors in 1902, is recognized as one of the city's most significant cultural institutions. It offers a rich blend of historical and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  22. Kirchner Museum Davos22

    Kirchner Museum Davos

     Davos
    The Kirchner Museum Davos, located in Davos, Switzerland, is an art museum dedicated to the life and work of the German Expressionist artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. The museum houses a large collection of Kirchner's works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and textile works. It also includes almost all of the artist's sketchbooks and photographs. The museum's collection represents all the important themes in Kirchner's oeuvre, from his Die Brücke period to his late work while living in Switzerland.
  23. Gmurzynska Gallery23

    Gmurzynska Gallery

     Sankt Moritz
    Galerie Gmurzynska, located in Zurich, Switzerland, is a commercial art gallery that specializes in modern and contemporary art. The gallery is particularly known for its collection of works by the Russian avant-garde. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts who are interested in exploring different art movements and styles.
  24. Kunst Museum Winterthur - Reinhart am Stadtgarten24

    Kunst Museum Winterthur - Reinhart am Stadtgarten

     Winterthur
    The Kunst Museum Winterthur | Reinhart am Stadtgarten, previously known as Museum Oskar Reinhart, is an art museum located in Winterthur, in the Swiss canton of Zurich. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of art collections for public viewing.
  25. The Langmatt Museum25

    The Langmatt Museum

     Baden
    The Langmatt Museum, situated in Baden, in the canton of Aargau, Switzerland, is an art museum housed in a turn-of-the-century factory villa. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of French Impressionist paintings, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  26. Kunsthaus Zug26

    Kunsthaus Zug

     Zug
    The Kunsthaus Zug is located in a 16th-century complex known as the "Hof im Dorf", situated on the edge of the old town of Zug in Switzerland. The museum has been in existence since 1990, offering visitors a unique blend of historical architecture and modern art.
  27. Kunst(Zeug)Haus27

    Kunst(Zeug)Haus

     Rapperswil-Jona
    In May 2008, the Kunst(Zeug)Haus was opened in the main building. The collection of Peter and Elisabeth Bosshard forms the centerpiece of around five thousand exhibits of Swiss contemporary art. The museum offers public tours and workshops for school classes, as well as changing exhibitions. This provides an opportunity for tourists to explore Swiss contemporary art and engage in educational activities.
  28. Giovanni Züst Art Gallery28

    Giovanni Züst Art Gallery

     Mendrisio
    The Giovanni Züst Art Gallery, located in Rancate, a district of Mendrisio in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland, is a notable art museum. It was opened in 1967 and was born from the desire of entrepreneur Giovanni Züst, who decided to donate his collection to the Canton of Ticino in 1966. The gallery is named after the small village of Rancate in Mendrisiotto, which had hosted him for many years.
  29. Kunsthaus Glarus29

    Kunsthaus Glarus

     Glarus
    The Kunsthaus Glarus is a museum and exhibition house situated in the Swiss city of Glarus. It is conveniently located near the train station in Volksgarten, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum was planned as a cultural attraction in a small town, with the aim of attracting visitors from larger cities as well.
  30. Pierre Gianadda Foundation30

    Pierre Gianadda Foundation

     Martigny
    The Pierre Gianadda Foundation, established in 1976, is a private cultural foundation located in Martigny, Switzerland. It is renowned for its exhibitions that showcase cultural history and various forms of art. The foundation was created by Léonard Gianadda in memory of his younger brother, Pierre, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash.
  31. Art Museum of the Canton of Thurgau31

    Art Museum of the Canton of Thurgau

     Warth-Weiningen
    The Art Museum of Thurgau, located in parts of the Ittingen Charterhouse in Warth-Weiningen, Thurgau Canton, has been a significant cultural institution since 1983. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of regional and international art in a historic setting.
  32. Kunstmuseum Olten32

    Kunstmuseum Olten

     Olten
    The Kunstmuseum Olten, located in Olten, Switzerland, has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1902. This museum is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving and showcasing art, making it a significant cultural landmark.
  33. Hermitage Foundation33

    Hermitage Foundation

     Lausanne
    The Fondation de l’Hermitage is a fine arts museum nestled in the city of Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The museum is surrounded by the serene Parc de l’Hermitage, providing a tranquil setting for art lovers to explore the museum's collections.
  34. MASI Lugano34

    MASI Lugano

     Lugano
    The Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana di Lugano (MASI) is an art museum located in Lugano, Switzerland. It was established through the merger of two previous museums, the Museo Cantonale d’Arte and the Museo d’Arte. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on September 12, 2015.
  35. St. Gallen Museum of Art35

    St. Gallen Museum of Art

     Sankt Gallen
    The St. Gallen Art Museum, also known as Kunstmuseum St.Gallen, is a significant art museum in Eastern Switzerland. It is conveniently located in the heart of St. Gallen, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, ranging from the late Middle Ages to the present day.
  36. Musée Jenisch36

    Musée Jenisch

     Vevey
    The Musée Jenisch is an art museum situated in Vevey. It specializes in works on paper, including drawings, copper engravings, and print graphics. This focus makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts, particularly those interested in these specific mediums.
  37. Kunsthalle Ziegelhütte37

    Kunsthalle Ziegelhütte

     Appenzell
    The Kunsthalle Ziegelhütte is a museum and cultural center located in Appenzell. It is known for its exhibitions featuring the works of two renowned Appenzell painters, Carl August Liner and his son Carl Walter Liner. In addition to these, the museum also showcases art from the 20th and 21st centuries, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of art over the years.
  38. Museum Gais38

    Museum Gais

     Gais
    Museum Gais, situated in Gais, Switzerland, is home to a collection that has been recognized as a cultural asset of regional importance by the Swiss government. This classification signifies the museum's significant contribution to the region's cultural heritage, making it a noteworthy destination for those interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the area.
  39. Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Neuchâtel)39

    Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Neuchâtel)

     Neuchâtel
    The Musée d'art et d'histoire de Neuchâtel is a fine arts museum situated in Switzerland. It is housed in a building constructed between 1881 and 1887 by Léo Châtelain. The museum offers visitors a rich collection of Neuchâtel, Swiss, and French art.
  40. Villa Flora40

    Villa Flora

     Winterthur
    Since 2018, Villa Flora has been part of the Kunst Museum Winterthur, along with the Museum Oskar Reinhart and the Kunstmuseum Winterthur. It is now known as Kunst Museum Winterthur | Villa Flora. The building is currently undergoing renovations, with a planned reopening in 2024. This development signifies the continued importance of Villa Flora in the cultural landscape of Winterthur.
  41. The Winterthur Museum of Art41

    The Winterthur Museum of Art

     Winterthur
    The Winterthur Museum of Art, also known as Kunstmuseum Winterthur, is an art museum located in the city of Winterthur, Switzerland. It was founded in 1848 by an art association that still owns the museum's collection today. The museum is subsidized by the city and the canton, but also relies heavily on private contributions.
  42. Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne42

    Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne

     Lausanne
    The Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts is home to approximately 10,000 artworks. While the collection spans a broad range of periods, it places a particular emphasis on art from the end of the eighteenth century to post-impressionism. This focus allows visitors to explore a significant era in art history.
  43. Museum of Art and History43

    Museum of Art and History

     Freiburg
    The Museum of Art and History in Fribourg, also known as MAHF, is a renowned institution that houses a collection of art works and historical objects. These items are primarily sourced from the canton of Fribourg, providing a unique insight into the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
  44. Museo Castello San Materno44

    Museo Castello San Materno

     Ascona
    The Museo Castello San Materno, located in Ascona, Switzerland, is a museum that is affiliated with the Museo Comunale d’Arte Moderna in Ascona. The museum was opened in April 2014 after the restoration of the building. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art and historical artifacts.
  45. Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle45

    Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle

     Le Locle
    The Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle (MBAL) is situated in the canton of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It provides a diverse range of temporary exhibitions three times a year, spread across a 2,000 square meter space. This offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of artistic styles and periods throughout the year.
  46. Centro Elisarion46

    Centro Elisarion

     Minusio
    The Sanctuarium Artis Elisarion is a significant monument, museum, and cultural center situated in the Swiss municipality of Minusio. This establishment offers a unique blend of historical and cultural experiences, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate art and history.
  47. Grenchen Art Centre47

    Grenchen Art Centre

     Grenchen
    The Kunsthaus Grenchen is a Swiss art museum situated opposite the Grenchen Süd train station in the canton of Solothurn. The museum's collection primarily focuses on print graphics of regional, national, and international significance. This makes it a unique destination for art enthusiasts interested in print graphics from various geographical locations.
  48. 48

    Gallery Iris Wazzau

     Davos
    Established in 1972, this gallery exhibits artworks of different styles. You can also buy the displayed pieces here.
  49. 49

    AB Gallery

     Emmen
    Gallery exhibiting contemporary and "across the borders" art. Especially the art from Near East.
  50. 50

    Hans Erni Museum

     Lucerne
    Museum of the Lucerne-born graphic artist. Extensive collection of paintings and lithographs.