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:
1Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
ZurichThe 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. 2Swiss National Museum
ZurichThe 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. 3Museum of Art and history
GenevaThe 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. 4Zentrum Paul Klee
BernThe 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. 5Rosengart Collection Museum
LucerneThe 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. 6Rath Museum
GenevaThe 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. 7Art Brut Museum
LausanneLa 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. 8Beyeler Foundation
RiehenThe 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. 9Museum of Fine Arts Bern
BernThe 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. 10Bündner Kunstmuseum
ChurThe 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. 11Kunstmuseum Thun
ThunThe 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. 12Coninx-Museum
ZurichThe 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. 13Schaulager
MünchensteinSchaulager 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. 14Pavillon Le Corbusier
ZurichThe 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. 15Museum zu Allerheiligen
SchaffhausenThe 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. 16Aargau Art House
AarauThe 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. 17Kunstmuseum Luzern
LucerneThe 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. 18MAMCO-Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
GenevaThe 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. 19Fine Arts Museum Basel
BaselThe 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. 20Oskar Reinhart collection Am Römerholz
WinterthurThe 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. 21Art Museum Solothurn
SolothurnThe 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. 22Kirchner Museum Davos
DavosThe 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. 23Gmurzynska Gallery
Sankt MoritzGalerie 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. 24Kunst Museum Winterthur - Reinhart am Stadtgarten
WinterthurThe 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. 25The Langmatt Museum
BadenThe 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. 26Kunsthaus Zug
ZugThe 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. 27Kunst(Zeug)Haus
Rapperswil-JonaIn 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. 28Giovanni Züst Art Gallery
MendrisioThe 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. 29Kunsthaus Glarus
GlarusThe 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. 30Pierre Gianadda Foundation
MartignyThe 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. 31Art Museum of the Canton of Thurgau
Warth-WeiningenThe 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. 32Kunstmuseum Olten
OltenThe 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. 33Hermitage Foundation
LausanneThe 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. 34MASI Lugano
LuganoThe 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. 35St. Gallen Museum of Art
Sankt GallenThe 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. 36Musée Jenisch
VeveyThe 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. 37Kunsthalle Ziegelhütte
AppenzellThe 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. 38Museum Gais
GaisMuseum 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. 39Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Neuchâtel)
NeuchâtelThe 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. 40Villa Flora
WinterthurSince 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. 41The Winterthur Museum of Art
WinterthurThe 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. 42Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts Lausanne
LausanneThe 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. 43Museum of Art and History
FreiburgThe 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. 44Museo Castello San Materno
AsconaThe 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. 45Museum of Fine Arts Le Locle
Le LocleThe 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. 46Centro Elisarion
MinusioThe 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. 47Grenchen Art Centre
GrenchenThe 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
Gallery Iris Wazzau
DavosEstablished in 1972, this gallery exhibits artworks of different styles. You can also buy the displayed pieces here. - 49
AB Gallery
EmmenGallery exhibiting contemporary and "across the borders" art. Especially the art from Near East. - 50
Hans Erni Museum
LucerneMuseum of the Lucerne-born graphic artist. Extensive collection of paintings and lithographs.