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Museum of Contemporary Art, Basel
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Basel (Kunstmuseum Basel) stands as a pioneer in the European art scene, having opened its doors in 1980 as the continent's first public museum exclusively dedicated to contemporary art. It is recognized as a heritage site of national significance, underscoring its importance to Swiss cultural heritage.
Nestled on the idyllic banks of the Rhine in Grossbasel, the museum is part of the larger Kunstmuseum Basel complex, which also includes the Hauptbau and Neubau in the city center. Housed partly in a former 19th-century paper mill, the museum blends historic architecture with modern design, symbolizing its role as a bridge between tradition and innovation.
The museum showcases a rich collection of contemporary art spanning from the 1960s to the present. Its focus extends beyond traditional media like painting and sculpture to embrace video art and other innovative formats. Key artists featured in the collection include Joseph Beuys, Bruce Nauman, Rosemarie Trockel, Jeff Wall, and influential American figures such as Robert Gober, Elizabeth Peyton, and Matthew Barney. Many of the works are drawn from the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, whose remaining holdings are housed at the Schaulager in Muttenz.
While the museum’s permanent collection features monumental pieces, often post-1990, its dynamic program of temporary exhibitions keeps the experience fresh and engaging. These exhibitions explore both established and emerging artists, reflecting global trends and local influences, ensuring a thought-provoking experience for all visitors.
Adding to its prestige, the Museum of Contemporary Art plays a pivotal role in Basel’s reputation as a global hub for contemporary art, further cemented by the annual Art Basel fair, which attracts art lovers from around the world. A visit to this museum is not just a journey through cutting-edge art but also a testament to Basel’s enduring cultural vibrancy.
Nestled on the idyllic banks of the Rhine in Grossbasel, the museum is part of the larger Kunstmuseum Basel complex, which also includes the Hauptbau and Neubau in the city center. Housed partly in a former 19th-century paper mill, the museum blends historic architecture with modern design, symbolizing its role as a bridge between tradition and innovation.
The museum showcases a rich collection of contemporary art spanning from the 1960s to the present. Its focus extends beyond traditional media like painting and sculpture to embrace video art and other innovative formats. Key artists featured in the collection include Joseph Beuys, Bruce Nauman, Rosemarie Trockel, Jeff Wall, and influential American figures such as Robert Gober, Elizabeth Peyton, and Matthew Barney. Many of the works are drawn from the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, whose remaining holdings are housed at the Schaulager in Muttenz.
While the museum’s permanent collection features monumental pieces, often post-1990, its dynamic program of temporary exhibitions keeps the experience fresh and engaging. These exhibitions explore both established and emerging artists, reflecting global trends and local influences, ensuring a thought-provoking experience for all visitors.
Adding to its prestige, the Museum of Contemporary Art plays a pivotal role in Basel’s reputation as a global hub for contemporary art, further cemented by the annual Art Basel fair, which attracts art lovers from around the world. A visit to this museum is not just a journey through cutting-edge art but also a testament to Basel’s enduring cultural vibrancy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Basel. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Museum of Contemporary Art on Map
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Sight Name: Museum of Contemporary Art
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Basel, Switzerland (See walking tours in Basel)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Basel, Switzerland
Create Your Own Walk in Basel
Creating your own self-guided walk in Basel is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Basel's Historical Churches
Basel is the city of churches. Indeed, nowhere else in Switzerland will you find as many of them, both old and new, as here. Despite serious losses to the Reformation period, a good number of local temples have survived. Today, the vast majority of religious buildings, including the listed medieval Basel Minster, belong to the Evangelical Reformed Church.
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The towers and spires of ancient... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Basel Old Town Shopping Walk
Basel’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. It is a place where you can see buildings from the 15th century as well as contemporary structures. The architectural diversity of this well-preserved historical area is stunning as are the shopping opportunities.
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
On the left bank of the Rhine is Grossbasel, which encompasses the Old Town and many mainstream shops. On... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Basel Introduction Walking Tour
The modern and bustling city of Basel gets its name from a third-century Roman castle that stood here. It is likely the modernization of "Villa Basilius," or "Estate of Basilius." Interestingly, the basilisk has been closely associated with the city and used in the coat of arms and coins. The association is likely simple assonance rather than anything more profound.
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles