Extension – KUNSTHAUS

A museum for art and the public

Together with the existing Kunsthaus building it constitute Switzerland’s largest art museum. The extension opened in autumn 2021. The project is distinguished by four core elements: its focus on art of the 1960s and later, the Emil Bührle Collection, medium-sized temporary exhibitions, and its central entrance hall, a new form of public space in which to experience art.

The New Kunsthaus is a gateway to the world of art, in all its rich and varied forms. It reflects and shapes contemporary trends and builds on the existing strengths that make the Kunsthaus Zürich collection unique. With a series of greatly enhanced facilities, it opens up a vibrant public space in the heart of Zurich.

Extension Film series

7 Videos

3 Min

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The Public

6 Min

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Art and Space

3 Min

Architecture

5 Min

Art and construction

3 Min

Sustainability

3 Min

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Materials

3 Min

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Light concept

The Public

Art and Space

Architecture

Art and construction

Sustainability

Materials

Light concept

Showing art in a dynamic context

The extension enhances the Kunsthaus Zürich’s focus on art of the 1960s and later, in all of its abundant significance and complex contingency. The finished project will demonstrate parallel techniques within discrete epochs of artistic production, and how the genres of painting, graphic arts, sculpture, photography and new media interrelate. Traditionally proportioned galleries are showing paintings of the 19th century and works of Classical Modernism.

The largest art museum in Switzerland

The amount of the collection that on show doubles with the extension to 700 permanently exhibited works. In addition, there are loans from temporary exhibitions. This makes the Kunsthaus Zürich the largest and most dynamic art museum in Switzerland in terms of space. Thanks to the extraordinary commitment shown by the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft, half of the construction costs have been met from private sources. The City and Canton of Zurich were responsible for the remaining half.