Introduction The Museum Kunsthaus Zurich is a renowned art museum located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. Established in 1905, the museum has been dedicated to showcasing both German and French art from the 19th century to the present day. Kunsthaus Zurich boasts an impressive collection of works by famous artists such as Heinrich Keller, Franz Von Stuck, Ferdinand Hodler, Claude Monet, Adolph Menzel, and many more.
The Museum Kunsthaus Zurich, Switzerland
Introduction
The Museum Kunsthaus Zurich is a renowned art museum located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland. Established in 1905, the museum has been dedicated to showcasing both German and French art from the 19th century to the present day. Kunsthaus Zurich boasts an impressive collection of works by famous artists such as Heinrich Keller, Franz Von Stuck, Ferdinand Hodler, Claude Monet, Adolph Menzel, and many more.
Collection
The museum's collection includes major works by artists including Claude Monet (several works including an enormous water lily painting), Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Jacques Lipchitz, and the Swiss Alberto Giacometti. Other Swiss artists such as Johann Heinrich Füssli, Ferdinand Hodler or from recent times, Pipilotti Rist and Peter Fischli are also represented. In addition, works by Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, and René Magritte can be found here.
Artists
The museum features a wide range of artists from different periods and styles. Some of the notable artists include:
Architecture
The old museum part was drawn-up by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel and opened in 1910. Particularly notable are the several preserved Moser interiors in the original section of the museum, decorated in masterful Neo-Grec version of Secession style. The bas-reliefs on the facade are by Moser's longtime collaborator Oskar Kiefer. The original museum building was extended in 1925, 1958 and 1976. A $230 million extension by London-based David Chipperfield was opened in 2020.
Management
The museum is managed by the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft, which is the oldest and largest art association in Switzerland. The museum's leadership includes:
- Wilhelm Wartmann (1909-1949)
- Felix Baumann (1976-2000)
- Christoph Becker (2000-2022)
- Ann Demeester (2022-present)
Attendance
In 2021, the Kunsthaus had 382,603 visitors. On Wednesday admission to the Collection is free of charge for all visitors.
Public Transport
The gallery is served by a stop on the Zürich tram system, known as Zürich, Kunsthaus. This is located on Heimplatz, between the museum building and the Schauspielhaus Zürich.
Controversy
The integrated artworks from the collection of the arms dealer Emil Bührle has caused discussion and criticism due to concern that some of the artworks may have been sold under duress by Jews persecuted by Nazis during the Third Reich. Critics say that the ownership history of the artworks has not been sufficiently clarified and, in January 2021, a petition was launched to demand access for impartial international researchers. In October 2023, a panel of academics hired to rectify incorrect or misleading Nazi-era provenances resigned in protest over the way the history was presented.
Conclusion
The Museum Kunsthaus Zurich is a must-visit destination for art lovers and enthusiasts. With its impressive collection of works by famous artists, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty and diversity of art. Whether you are interested in German or French art, modern or contemporary art, the museum has something for everyone. So, plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the world of art at the Museum Kunsthaus Zurich!