Zurich
Art Guide

Whether you want to discover contemporary art created by established Swiss artists like Ugo Rondinone, Pipilotti Rist, or Urs Fischer, or by emerging talents like Nicolas Party and Louisa Gagliardi, below you will find some of the best galleries across Zurich's vibrant art scene presenting a range of both.

Birthplace of Dada and home to artists Fischli & Weiss, Zurich is doubtless Switzerland's cultural centre. From Basel veterans to avant garde kunsthalles, Zurich oozes old school charm and new world cool. Young artists have flocked to the city, bringing an international mix to its culture, and the Löwenbräukunst, a former brewery and warehouse, represents the vanguard of Zurich's pioneering art institutions.

Zurich's evolving arts scene is shaped by prominent galleries like Galerie Eva Presenhuber, Hauser & Wirth, Galerie Urs Meile, and Galerie Gmurzynska.

Founded in 2003 by pioneering gallerist Eva Presenhuber, Galerie Eva Presenhuber showcases international contemporary artists like Shara Hughes, Doug Aitken, and Franz West. With two locations on Waldmannstrasse and Zahnradstrasse, the gallery features both emerging and established artists, including rising artists Louisa Gagliardi, Chase Hall, and Tschabalala Self.

Near Galerie Eva Presenhuber in Waldmannstrasse is Hauser & Wirth in Bahnhofstraße, with another location at Limmatstrasse within Löwenbräukunst. The gallery is known for its community engagement through events and learning activities, representing high-profile artists like Louise Bourgeois, Paul McCarthy, and Pipilotti Rist. Situated in the city's vibrant art district, its Limmatstrasse location is notable for its modern architectural design, ideal for various artistic practices and large-scale installations.

On Rämistrasse is Galerie Urs Meile, which was founded in 1992 and has roots in Lucerne and Beijing. The gallery emphasises cultural exchange between Europe and Asia, featuring contemporary Chinese artists such as Ai Weiwei and Wang Xingwei, as well as European and American artists including Urs Lüthi and Rebekka Steiger.

Across the river near Fraumünster Church, Galerie Gmurzynska blends classic modern art and contemporary art, showcasing works by Kazimir Malevich, Yves Klein, and Fernando Botero. Known for its academic approach, Galerie Gmurzynska collaborates with museums and institutions to preserve 20th-century art legacies while engaging with contemporary trends.

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.

Led by Ocula's founder Simon Fisher, Ocula Advisory assists new and established collectors in growing and managing their collections.

With 40+ years of combined experience and extensive relationships with galleries, auction houses, art dealers, and collectors, Ocula Advisory has exceptional knowledge of modern and contemporary art, as well as market trends.

Follow Advisory Picks, Perspectives, and Selections for must-see art in Zurich.

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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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