Basel - the city of museums
There is no other city more cultivated in Switzerland than Basel in the north of the country. This city has always been the center of art and culture. From the 1500s, Basel hosted many well-known artists like Hans Holbein and Albrecht Dürer, as well as public figures like Nietzsche and Erasmus, to name a few. They were driven to move to Basel where they lived, worked and imprinted their irresistible legacy. The art collection has a long history in Basel since, in 1661, it was the first European city to host art collections. Here, even non-artistic souls become one!
Despite the city's small size, Basel continues to celebrate art throughout the year. Many events are socially recognized and even internationally recognized. It's hard to believe that over 37 square kilometers there are almost 40 museums in Basel, each one to visit. Here we take a look at some of the most exquisite museums to explore on your next visit to Basel.
The Beyeler FoundationThis art museum houses modern and contemporary art and was founded by couple Ernst and Hildy Beyeler. Originally, on the current site of the museum, there was an antique bookstore belonging to the Beyelers. In 1952 they renamed their company "Galerie Beyeler", which was the basis of their new endeavor, but it was not until 1997 that the current museum was founded. The Fondation Beyeler is the most visited art museum in Switzerland and hosts prestigious exhibitions of world renown. One of them was dedicated to the works of Picasso from the start of his career - the Blue and Rose periods. Edward Hopper's works, which were successful despite the situation in 2020, are also recent, so if you don't know what to do in Basel someday, we highly recommend visiting the Fondation Beyeler for anyone who appreciates art and want to know more. .
Kunstmuseum The Kunstmuseum (art museum) is a true symbol of Basel's commitment to art. The museum keeps collections ranging from Old Masters to masterpieces by modern and contemporary artists and has been recognized as the fifth best museum in the world. Pablo Picasso was involved in the life of the museum and two of his paintings - Les Deux Frères and Arlequin Assis - were on permanent loan to the Kunstmuseum Basel and are expected to be sold on the international market in 1967. these paintings permanently. A referendum resulted in six million Swiss francs from taxes, while the remaining two million Swiss francs were donated by Baslers and art lovers. Deeply touched by such a decision and recognition, Picasso offered the city of Basel three other paintings and a large-format composition study for Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
Nowadays, the museum consists of three different buildings. The Hauptbau (main building) was completed in 1936 and exhibits the museum's collections, including Basel art, medieval and Renaissance art, works from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, as well as art classical modernism and post-war European modernism. The Neubau (new building) was built in April 2016 and has direct access to the main building through an underground passage. As you walk through the underground passage, you will be impressed by the exceptional contemporary art. The Neubau houses special exhibitions organized in the galleries with skylights and art presentations from the collections. The Gegenwart is the third building, better known as the Kunstmuseum Basel Gegenwart. It was one of the first museums dedicated to contemporary art in the world. In the photo, works of contemporary art from the Kunstmuseum collections. The museum also hosts conferences and discussions on selected works or on contemporary art in general.
Basler Papiermühle (Paper Museum) Basel was a center of paper production in the 1600s and was considered a humanist city. Many public figures and scientists have found it to be a place to print and publish their work. The museum is located inside the walls of the medieval stationery, which gives it an exciting and unique atmosphere. Here you will learn the whole process of creating handmade paper from scratch, to the end result - a book. The fascinating part of this museum is the personalized touch given to customers today. You can order your special paper to print business cards, certificates, diplomas, and even wedding or birth announcements. You can be the creator of your own paper made at the oldest stationery in town. You can also buy wax stamps and send them on a letter with your signature.
Tinguely Museum Jean Tinguely was an innovative Swiss artist who created kinetic art. In most of his works you will see movement as Tinguely has always been interested in machines - how they move, the noises they make and their shapes. You can see one of his works in the city center next to Barfüsserplatz - Carnival Fountain (Tinguely Fountain). The museum has 142 exclusive sculptures as well as his drawings and sketches which will allow you to discover this talented artist.
Naturhistorisches Museum Basel (Museum of natural history) In the heart of the artistic city on the Münsterhügel near Basel Cathedral is the Naturhistorisches Museum. Visitors are usually greeted by a fun skeleton who dresses up for the weather! The museum is fascinating for all people and all ages. Its collections date back to the Middle Ages and cover the entire natural history of our planet, from anthropology and osteology to zoology and mineralogy. The precious biological and geological collections have been maintained for over 300 years! Visit each showroom and be amazed by the history and things you have never seen or heard.
But let's not forget other museums that also deserve everyone's attention. For example, the Pharmacy Museum has the most comprehensive collection in pharmaceutical history. Or the Cartoon Museum which presents satirical cartoons and cartoons to the public. If you stay in the city center, you can't miss the Toy Museum, since their window is always fully decorated all year round; one of the reasons to visit can is the world's largest collection of teddy bears!
And now, having read our unique guide to museums, you are ready to explore them on your own or on a Basel walking tour! But keep in mind that most museums are closed on Mondays, which makes Basel a perfect place to visit on weekends or any other day of the week.
Wanhua Qiao is Managing Director of Venez Discover Switzerland. Come Discover Switzerland offers some of the best private tours and multi-day trips in all of Switzerland and has established itself as one of the leading tour operators in Switzerland. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.
