Cultural highlights in Aarau – old & new 

Stadtmuseum Aarau. 

In recent years, the new Aarau Municipal Museum has grown into a venue for cultural encounters, standing out thanks to its attractive changing exhibitions. Young and old visitors alike cannot help but be amazed at the museum’s collection, which includes countless historic objects such as furniture, photographs, posters, graphics, precious items, items for daily use and technical cultural assets, most of which date back to the 18th to 20th centuries. The institution also possesses some exciting photographic material thanks to its collaboration with the State Archives of Aargau, at the heart of which are the Ringier photographic archives. The Kern collection clearly presents the history of Aarau company Kern, including its connections with the history of technology and industry, and showcases the exquisite poster art produced by the Trüb printing company. The 100 x Aarau permanent exhibition is another highlight, telling the life stories of 100 people from Aarau over seven centuries. 

Even the museum’s exterior is sure to turn heads and never fails to act as a talking point. For example, the artistically designed façade, which features over a hundred human figures, reflects the diversity of the museum’s visitors. The “Schlössli” (little castle) acted as the museum building until the extension was added in 2015, and continues to house part of the exhibition to this day. Over time, various extensions and structures have been added to the 13th-century tower, which is built of large stone blocks. The current combination, consisting of the medieval Schlössli and the new extension on the west side, is an architectural masterpiece that has been awarded the Aargauer Heimatschutzpreis, a prestigious award for its preservation efforts, among other accolades 

Alte Reithalle Aarau   

The Alte Reithalle opened in 2021 and is Aarau’s new flagship theatre and concert venue. Since its inception, the venue has provided the Argovia Philharmonic symphony orchestra with a concert hall of its very own for the first time. With the opening of the Alte Reithalle, the Bühne Aarau multidisciplinary theatre now has a second imposing stage at its disposal. Performances and concerts are organised and coordinated by the Bühne Aarau multidisciplinary theatre.  

The remodelling of the former military building by architectural firm Barão-Hutter has resulted in an entirely new, bold design. Under the massive wooden truss of the former riding hall, the space has been left largely empty. The remaining lettering from the Reitordnung (equestrian code of conduct) and the exterior walls in Jura stone have remained largely untouched. The fusion of old and new architecture gives both rooms – the theatre stage and the concert hall for classical music performances – an incomparable atmosphere. Directly opposite the Alte Reithalle is the Bar im Stall bar, which appeals through its blend of historic fittings and new, modern architecture. The bar acts both as a foyer for the Alte Reithalle and as an independent venue for separate, smaller events. The Bar im Stall is especially popular as a meeting place for artists and the public before and after events.  
Tip: If you fancy a lovely evening complete with fine gastronomy, Restaurant Einstein, which can be found in the immediate vicinity of the Alte Reithalle, is well worth a visit before you head off to the theatre. 

After attending an event at the Alte Reithalle, there are a number of other bars nearby too where you can enjoy a nightcap. For example, there’s Oscar One on Schlossplatz, which serves a range of extraordinary cocktails.