Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich · Switzerland · Founded 1787
Good for: Art Lovers · Modern Art Fans · Architecture Enthusiasts
1787
Founded
2020
Chipperfield Extension Opened
3–4 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Kunsthaus Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland — the Kunsthaus Zürich traces its origins to the Zürich Art Society, founded in 1787 — making it one of the oldest civic art institutions in Europe. Open Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Mondays. Admission: CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately. Book timed-entry tickets ahead in peak season. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (3–4 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Kunsthaus Zürich
The Kunsthaus Zürich is Switzerland's most important art museum and one of the finest collections in German-speaking Europe. Founded in 1787, it holds masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present, with exceptional depth in Swiss art, German Expressionism, and French Impressionism.
The museum's collection was transformed by major donations: the Bührle Collection of French Impressionism and Old Masters (housed in a separate extension), the Giacometti Foundation's holdings of Alberto and Diego Giacometti, and the Moser, Fischli/Weiss, and video art collections.
In 2020 the museum opened a major extension by David Chipperfield Architects, adding new galleries for modern and contemporary art and nearly doubling the exhibition space. The original 1910 Karl Moser building remains the heart of the institution.
Located on Heimplatz beside the university and Schauspielhaus theatre, the Kunsthaus anchors Zürich's museum quarter and draws visitors from across Switzerland and beyond.
3–4 hours highlights route
A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Kunsthaus Zürich without museum fatigue. · 3–4 hours
- 1
The Night
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's monumental Symbolist painting of intertwined sleeping figures, a defining work of Swiss art and a Kunsthaus icon.
- 2
Self-Portrait with Model
📍 Modern Art Gallery
A late Munch self-portrait from the museum's strong Nordic holdings, showing the artist's expressive late style.
- 3
Walking Man I
📍 Giacometti Foundation Gallery
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated bronze figures, among the most important sculptures of the twentieth century.
- 4
Water Lilies
📍 Impressionism Gallery
A major Monet Nymphéas canvas from the museum's Impressionist collection, complemented by works in the Bührle Collection.
- 5
The Chosen Six
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's epic Symbolist composition depicting six Swiss warriors, a patriotic allegory and technical tour de force.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Kunsthaus Zürich — and why they matter.
The Night
Ferdinand Hodler · 1889–1890
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's monumental Symbolist painting of intertwined sleeping figures, a defining work of Swiss art and a Kunsthaus icon.
Self-Portrait with Model
Edvard Munch · 1919–1921
📍 Modern Art Gallery
A late Munch self-portrait from the museum's strong Nordic holdings, showing the artist's expressive late style.
Walking Man I
Alberto Giacometti · 1960
📍 Giacometti Foundation Gallery
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated bronze figures, among the most important sculptures of the twentieth century.
Water Lilies
Claude Monet · c. 1918
📍 Impressionism Gallery
A major Monet Nymphéas canvas from the museum's Impressionist collection, complemented by works in the Bührle Collection.
The Chosen Six
Ferdinand Hodler · 1897–1898
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's epic Symbolist composition depicting six Swiss warriors, a patriotic allegory and technical tour de force.
Collections & highlights
- • Swiss art from Hodler to contemporary
- • Alberto Giacometti sculptures and paintings
- • French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
- • German Expressionism — Munch, Kirchner, Nolde
- • Old Masters including Rubens and Rembrandt
- • Bührle Collection (separate wing)
- • Contemporary art and video installations
- • Medieval panel painting and sculpture
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kunsthaus Zürich worth visiting?
Yes — the Kunsthaus holds one of the finest permanent collections in Central Europe, with exceptional Giacometti and Munch holdings that are difficult to see at this quality anywhere else. The David Chipperfield extension also makes it architecturally significant.
What is special about the Giacometti collection?
The Kunsthaus holds the world's largest institutional collection of works by Alberto Giacometti, comprising paintings, drawings, and sculptures across all periods of his career. Giacometti was Swiss, born in the canton of Graubünden, and the Kunsthaus has maintained a close relationship with his foundation.
How long should I spend at Kunsthaus Zürich?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Kunsthaus Zürich best known for?
The Kunsthaus Zürich traces its origins to the Zürich Art Society, founded in 1787 — making it one of the oldest civic art institutions in Europe. The museum building on Heimplatz opened in 1910 (Karl Moser) and was dramatically expanded in 2021 with a new wing by David Chipperfield Architects, making the combined Kunsthaus the largest art museum in Switzerland. Key highlights include Alberto Giacometti — one of the finest institutional collections of his sculpture and painting, Edvard Munch — second-largest collection outside Norway, Claude Monet — three Water Lilies paintings and major Impressionist works.
How do I get tickets for Kunsthaus Zürich?
CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.kunsthaus.ch/en/
Is the Bührle Collection included in the main ticket?
The Bührle Collection requires a separate or combined ticket. It holds major Impressionist and Old Master works in a dedicated wing.
Where is the Giacometti collection?
The Alberto Giacometti Foundation's works are displayed in dedicated galleries in the Chipperfield extension, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings.
How does this compare to the Rijksmuseum or Kunsthistorisches Museum?
The Kunsthaus is smaller but exceptional for Swiss art, Giacometti, Munch, and Impressionism. The Bührle Collection rivals Paris for Impressionist depth.
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