They say art is subjective, but one thing that can’t be debated is Basel’s supremacy when it comes to seeing incredible works in the flesh. Thanks to its remarkable density of world-leading museums, galleries and off-spaces – not to mention the renowned ART Basel fair that rolls into town every year – the city’s art offering has seen it compete with, and maybe even surpass, heavy hitters like Paris and London.
With so much to explore, knowing where to begin can give even the most accomplished art aficionados a headache. Fortunately, Basel culture vulture and founder of Artstübil gallery and Urban Art Tours Philipp Brogli is here to give us the lowdown on the museums and cultural experiences you simply cannot miss.
The one for magical art in painterly settings
Spectacular nature and alluring art collide at the renowned Fondation Beyeler / Photo: Mark Niedermann
“Fondation Beyeler is located inside an idyllic park and is surrounded by nature. It offers peace and relaxation and the building by Renzo Piano offers beautiful views, which is why it’s one of the most stunning art spaces in the world and attracts the most visitors to Switzerland every year.
“Take time to explore the surroundings and let the art inspire you. I recommend the new exhibition project by Olafur Eliasson called «LIFE». It’s the artist’s first site-specific installation in Switzerland and it can be experienced with all five senses. Another one that’s not to be missed is Goya, which launches this October, and is set to be one of the most significant exhibitions ever devoted to painter Francisco de Goya outside of Spain.”
The one for classic collections
Step inside one of the oldest public art museums in the world / Photo: Julian Salinas
“When the Amerbach-Kabinett collection was acquired by the city in 1661, the Kunstmuseum Basel became one of the first public art museums in the world. Today, it houses the largest public art collection in Switzerland, with 300,000 works spanning seven centuries.
“There’s a lot to discover here, so I recommend studying the current programme online beforehand in order to find something that suits your taste. If you are interested in the works of Pablo Picasso, you should search for ‘Arlequin assis’, 1923, which explains the history and connection with the legendary artist in more detail.
“Keep an eye out for upcoming exhibitions, which include a showing of provocative American artist Kara Walker’s personal archive this June, with 600 drawings from her studio. Then, starting in September, the museum will celebrate the work of eminent French artist Camille Pissarro: it’s Switzerland’s first exhibition devoted to his work for more than 60 years.”
