Kunstmuseum Basel – Art Museum
Overview
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Intro
The Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the oldest public art museums in the world. The collection spans 7 centuries, from Holbein and Böcklin to van Gogh and contemporary art. In addition, there are special exhibitions of international stature.
The Kunstmuseum Basel at a glance
The Kunstmuseum Basel is spread over 3 houses. The main building and the new building are located next to each other on St. Alban-Graben opposite and are connected underground, Haus Gegenwart is a 5-minute walk away near the banks of the Rhine. The collection counts around 4000 paintings, sculptures and installations and dates back to a purchase by the city in 1661.
What to experience
Old Masters and the 19th Century (1–2 hours)
In the main building, you will take a tour from the late Gothic period to the early 20th century. You will encounter Holbein's harrowing work "Dead Christ in the Grave" and the largest Konrad Witz collection in the world. Further up hang Böcklin's "Isle of the Dead" and masterpieces by the Impressionists by van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne and Gauguin.
- Tip: In the courtyard, works by Rodin, Calder and Dan Flavin are accessible free of charge.
Classical Modern and Contemporary Art (1–2 hours)
In the main building, you'll encounter Cubism, Expressionism and Surrealism. Here you can let Kokoschka's colorful "Bride of the Wind" and Franz Marc's "Animal Fates" work their magic on you. In the Stone Hall, Alberto Giacometti's life's work becomes tangible. The house "Gegenwart" shows art from 1960 onwards in a former paper factory.
- Good to know: The free audio guide introduces you to 50 highlights of the collection.
- Tip: Kids explore the collection with their own audio guide.
Special exhibitions in dialogue with the collection
The Kunstmuseum Basel regularly shows major special exhibitions on an artist or an era. Often, their own works meet international guests and Old Masters meet modern art. So you see the familiar in a new light.
General information
| Season |
All year
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Kunstmuseum Basel
St. Alban-Graben 16
4010
Basel
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)61 206 62 62
Fax +41 (0)61 206 62 52
pressoffice@kunstmuseumbasel.ch
kunstmuseumbasel.ch
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