Kunsthalle


In 1872 in the Swiss city of Basel was opened art gallery, called Kunsthalle Basel. The main task of the museum was active propaganda and drawing attention to avant-garde art. Kunsthalle in Basel has become an integral part of the cultural life of the city, which periodically organizes innovative exhibitions that unite local and foreign avant-garde. Now the gallery is considered the leading exhibition hall, displaying works of contemporary art, exhibitions are organized here, lectures are given, films are shown. In 2003, the head of the gallery was Adam Szymchik.

A bit of history

The architect who designed the gallery building was Johann Jakob Stätel, famous for his works on the City Theater and the City Casino. These days these buildings form a symbolic ensemble of music, fine arts and theater. The work on improving the interior was entrusted to artists, among whom the names of Arnold Böcklin, Karl Bryunner, Ernst Stikelberg are most known.

Gallery at different times

The emergence of the gallery contributed to the merger of the two largest communities of artists in Switzerland in 1864. A little later, in the spring of 1872, it was decided to open Kunsthalle, a place that would unite artists, art lovers, attract many tourists to the city. Kunsthalle Basel experienced difficult times, when there were no funds for the maintenance of premises, salaries for employees. So in the period from 1950 to 1969, the gallery was suspended. But in 1969 the building and ancillary premises of Kunsthalle Basel were restored, and the art gallery resumed its work.

Useful information for tourists

The Kunsthalle Gallery of Art is open daily except Mondays. The working time is different: on Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can visit the gallery from 11:00 to 18:00. On Thursdays the gallery welcomes guests from 11:00 to 20:30. Every Friday, the gallery doors are open from 11:00 to 18:00 hours, on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00 hours. The entrance fee is 12 euros.

All about transport

You can get to this important sight of Switzerland by taking buses No.20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 27 or trams under numbers 3, 6, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17, E 11, which follow up to a stop called Basel Theater. After boarding you will be waited for by a five-minute walk. As always, a city taxi will be available to your destination. If desired, you can rent a car and drive to the art gallery yourself.