ZurichArt Guide

Zurich has established itself as a cultural hub for artists and collectors, boasting world-class museums, prestigious art institutions, and a dynamic atmosphere. A blend of historic charm and modern innovation, the Swiss city’s contemporary art scene has flourished since the emergence of influential galleries and exhibition spaces like Kunsthalle Zürich and Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst. Zurich’s artistic heritage and thriving community offers an inspiring environment for contemporary art enthusiasts.

Among them, Löwenbräukunst stands out. Founded in 1996, the brewery-turned-arts complex houses a dozen art institutions within its historic industrial-era red-brick walls.

Inside you’ll find Kunsthalle Zürich, a non-commercial institution known for its presentations of international contemporary art. Hosting six to ten exhibitions a year, the institution showcases experimental displays that aim to reassess art, its public, and itself. Past exhibitions include works by established artists like Sarah Lucas, Peter Doig, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Nicole Eisenman.

Under the same roof is Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, another non-commercial institution engaging with contemporary art and fostering discussions on pressing issues through exhibitions featuring international artists such as Mark Leckey and Ian Cheng.

Luma Westbau can also be found in Löwenbräukunst. A hub for international projects since its inception in 2013, the foundation showcases exhibitions and events commissioned and produced by the Luma Foundation. With a focus on fostering challenging art projects, the Foundation advocates for broad-ranging discussions on environmental issues, human rights, education, and culture.

Löwenbräukunst is home to commercial galleries including Galerie Francesca Pia, Galerie Eva Presenhuber, and Hauser & Wirth. The complex also hosts Edition VFO, the largest publisher of original contemporary art editions in Switzerland, and Espace Diaphanes, a book publishing house specialising in contemporary art, critical discourse, and international literature, among others.

Situated beside Platzspitz is The National Museum Zürich. The museum features over 870,000 objects tracing Switzerland’s history, providing insights into its cultural heritage and craftsmanship, complemented by temporary exhibitions addressing contemporary issues of interest.

Located on Selnaustrasse is Museum Haus Konstruktiv, which occupies the iconic ewz-Unterwerk Selnau building, a former power station. With five floors and 1,200 square metres of exhibition space, the museum offers ample room for striking art presentations. Previous exhibitions include Tomás Saraceno, Alicja Kwade, and Chiharu Shiota.

Another highlight is Helmhaus, a cultural institution nestled in the heart of the old city. It primarily showcases the works of local artists, Swiss creatives, and young artists. The museum’s exhibition programme focuses on social challenges, addressing both current and future issues.

Since its launch in 2010, Ocula Magazine has interviewed some of Switzerland’s most significant artists including Pipilotti Rist and Ugo Rondinone. Ocula Magazine also publishes features of artists such as Nicolas Party and Pamela Rosenkranz.

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Zurich has propelled the careers of Swiss and international artists, with its renowned galleries and museums providing a global stage for seminal exhibitions. Artists who have recently held exhibitions in the city include Philip Guston at Hauser & Wirth, Tobias Pils at Galerie Eva Presenhuber, and Pablo Picasso at Galerie Gmurzynska.

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