Kunsthalle Basel is a contemporary art gallery in Basel, Switzerland. As Switzerland's oldest and still most active institution for contemporary art, Kunsthalle Basel forms a vital part of Basel's cultural centre and is located next to the city's theatre, opposite the concert house Stadtcasino, and in the same building as the famed Restaurant Kunsthalle. Curators and directors of the museum have included Jean-Christophe Ammann, Peter Pakesch, and Adam Szymczyk. In November 2014, Los Angeles-born Elena Filipovic was appointed director. The museum also hosts the library of Basler Kunstverein, which holds 30,000 items related to contemporary art, and a photo archive of the museum's history and past exhibits.
The construction of Kunsthalle Basel was prompted in 1864 by the merger of the Basler Künstlergesellschaft (in English: Basel Artists of Artists) and the Basler Kunstverein (in English: Basel Art Association), which was founded in 1839. In the 1920s and 1930s, before the opening of Kunstmuseum Basel, Kunsthalle Basel was home to and displayed a part of Basel's public art collections. Due to financial issues in the 1950s, there was a time when the building was rented to the state, but, after being renovated in 1969, it was returned to the Kunstverein.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Leighann Lindsay | Feb 24, 2018
Brilliant! Good mix of older and newer work. Good facilities. Lockers available free for storage of costs, bags etc though not sure they'd do suitcases. Restaurant on site. Felt really welcoming and not too stuffy. I took two teenage boys who were interested for an hour and a half but that was it.
Jana Romeo | Apr 7, 2018
I went with a group of kindergartners and we visited a workshop. It was awesome! We had so much fun trying out new techniques and the pics turned out great :)
Hsu Andreas | Mar 20, 2018
There are not so many museums in the world can attract me to visit so often. Kunsthalle Basel always makes very best arrangement. You may also notice the detail of their professional presenting each art piece.... Very nice Sculture collection and impressive museum...
Tom NYC | Jan 23, 2018
amazing museum with a host of works from great artist. be sure to get an audio guide. the exhibit there now is amazing. also can use the half off discount travelers card!
Jean-Baptiste D. | Mar 21, 2018
A major museum with some worth-seeing masterpieces from Bruegel (the Triumph of Death is an increadibly intense painting), Cranach, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Léger, Giacometti, among others. The art collection is exceptional for a city of this size. A few things to improve the visitor's first impression: 1/ improve the ticket signage (many visitors enter the building but tickets have to be purchased outside and there is only one flag - that you don't see - to indicate the till); 2/ better present the different levels and the 2 buildings to guide the visitor when he enters the museum; 3/ what about reorganising the courtyard to better show Calder's and Rodin's sculptures that are exceptional but look like they were just put there? The visit is then a memorable experience.
E W | May 12, 2018
Excellent collection of Monet, Renoir, Picasso and painters from other ages. If you are an art lover from China, or looking like Chinese, be prepared to face discrimination. Of those very few China phobic places in Switzerland, definitely include this establishment. Check your camera! Turn your bag so it faces the front! The staff will order just you to obey, but no one else. Still, worth a visit. These people will learn, in time.
Davi Smitti | May 21, 2018
Well-organized, terrific holdings...my wife, the big art fan says, "This eclipses my previous favorite, the Chicago Art Inst!
vaghela ashok | May 29, 2018
The main focus of collecting among Basel museums is the fine arts – painting, drawing and sculpture. More than a dozen museums cover a spectrum that extends from antiquity up to the present and includes historic and established works of art as well as pioneering creations. In particular, the latter category has been made increasingly accessible to the public over the past two decades in a series of newly opened museums. There are collections with more of a local and regional character, yet a number of area museums, especially the larger institutions, are noted for their international orientation and reach. In addition, Basel benefits from a long tradition of collecting that, in contrast to many other museums in Central Europe, was not disrupted by the wars of the 20th century, as well as from the city’s well-established connections to the market of art dealersand art collectors – such as through Art Basel.
Mona Alghaith | May 30, 2018
The collection of art pieces from 15th to 19th century is dark, religious and to some extent disturbing. The 20th century art collection is more interesting and diverse. Also, the cafe on the ground floor is a nice place to gather thoughts after the exhibition viewing and have a proper esspresso.
boyeonj | Jul 12, 2018
Great place to see art and chill. They are open for public with free entrance for normal collection on every 1st sunday of the month. Also they have open Atelier for kids and adults on the 1st sunday of the month. It can be interesting for creative people to try something new to draw, paint, make and create! Super place to visit!!
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from San Diego
Cheap travel packages from Tijuana Intl. (TIJ)
Cheap travel packages from John Wayne -Orange County Airport (SNA)
Cheap travel packages from Ontario Intl. (ONT)
Cheap travel packages from Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)
Cheap travel packages from McCarran Intl. (LAS)
Cheap travel packages from Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX)
Cheap travel packages from Tucson Intl. (TUS)
Cheap travel packages from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. (SJC)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway