Caricature & Cartoon Museum (Cartoonmuseum), Basel

The Caricature & Cartoon Museum (Cartoonmuseum) stands as Switzerland's singular haven dedicated exclusively to the art of narrative drawing, exploring forms as diverse as comics, graphic novels, cartoon reportage, satirical drawings, and animated films. It serves as a cultural and intellectual space that not only preserves and exhibits these art forms but also actively contributes to discussions surrounding the social and political themes embedded in narrative drawing.

Home to over 10,000 original pieces from both Swiss and international artists, the museum emphasizes curated exhibitions that highlight either a single artist's work or a thematic exploration of narrative drawing. These exhibitions are further enriched by interactive educational offerings like guided tours, workshops, and discussions, allowing visitors to delve deeply into both the aesthetic and thematic aspects of the art.

The Caricature & Cartoon Museum's library is a resourceful trove, offering primary and secondary literature on caricatures, cartoons, and comics. It showcases a wide range of works spanning popular and alternative cultures, appealing to enthusiasts of mainstream and underground subcultures alike. Visitors can also enjoy the museum shop, which stocks postcards, monographs, and carefully curated cartoon and comic books related to the current exhibition.

Founded by Dieter Burckhardt, a Basel patron whose private collection sparked the idea for this public museum, the Caricature & Cartoon Museum was first opened in 1980. In 1991, the museum moved to its current address on Alban-Vorstadt Street, where its building was renovated and expanded by the renowned Herzog & de Meuron Architects, reopening in 1996. In 2009, it was renamed Cartoon Museum Basel, continuing its legacy as a vibrant center for narrative art.