Explore Zurich: Top 5 Art & Culture Hotspots

Zurich, yeah it’s often thought of as just a hub for finance, yet there’s something special there, too it has a pretty impressive art and culture scene that you might just love to experience, that is what I’ve found out anyway. From renowned museums showing off masterpieces to off-the-beaten-path galleries displaying cool contemporary works, there’s so much to see and experience. I thought that taking you on a personal tour of the top five art and culture spots in Zurich would be a great idea, that is because each location gives a great look into what makes this Swiss city’s creative soul tick, that it will do.

1. Kunsthaus Zürich: A Treasure Trove of Art Through the Ages

The Kunsthaus Zürich, well it’s certainly more than just another art museum, it has this deep collection that spans all the way from the Middle Ages right up to today. When you wander the halls, there is almost like traveling through a timeline of artistic expression. You’ll get a chance to admire medieval sculptures, too see paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, then you can become completely absorbed in modern and contemporary works. It’s almost guaranteed that there is always something new to find here, it seems. Now, the museum really shows off the biggest collection of Edvard Munch’s work outside of Oslo, something like that. Iconic paintings like “The Day After” and “Jealousy” just reach out, displaying the raw feelings that Munch was pretty known for.

What really sticks out, actually, is the museum’s effort to get everybody involved. With audio guides and workshops available in lots of different languages, along with specifically planned programs for families and children, it definitely wants to make art available for absolutely everyone. I remember bringing my niece there once, actually, and she had an absolutely fun time creating her own little masterpiece in one of their workshops. That is a really warm experience. Anyway, the café in the museum is ideal, too it’s just the right spot for contemplating all that you’ve just seen while you drink a peaceful cup of coffee. In some respects, that is really quite good.

2. Rietberg Museum: Where the World’s Art Meets

Get away from your normal European art scenes and lose yourself in the Rietberg Museum. Focused on art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, this museum provides just a cool break from the usual stuff you see in a bunch of other galleries. What is set in a really cool parkland setting, this museum gives a peaceful setting to view pieces that come from all sorts of different cultures. You’ll be absolutely able to come face to face with ancient sculptures, detailed masks, and complicated textiles, each with its own great stories to share.

I really find it neat how the museum emphasizes cultural exchange and honors the traditions of other people. The Rietberg almost wants you to dig much deeper than what is just what meets the eye, wanting you to think about the stories behind each piece and how they reflect the values and ideas of the cultures that they came from. They tend to have great programs and events going on often, too they have traditional music performances and dances from other cultures. It’s like getting a brief trip to several different places all without leaving Zurich. That’s neat. Anyway, when you’re feeling like you need a second to chill, you can wander through the wonderful gardens that are surrounding the museum. Just imagine, like you’re among beautiful greenery and eye-catching art, a thing of pure relaxation, for sure.

3. Cabaret Voltaire: The Birthplace of Dada

History buffs and those of us that appreciate something a bit different, almost certainly will love Cabaret Voltaire, it is this venue where the Dada movement got its start. What you are is stepping back in time, too be taken back to 1916, a period of great transformation and upheaval. You will just sense that rebellious spirit here. That is because the Dada artists were rejecting all of the typical things, they wanted a revolution. These days, it functions as both a gallery, too as a performance space, still keeping that creative vibe going strong. They usually have displays of Dada artwork, avant-garde performances, and just so many more cool programs.

I will tell you what, going to a show here is a complete experience, because it puts you right in the mood for what the Dada artists were trying to say. They tend to make fun of tradition, embrace craziness, and basically just tear down expectations. So if you would like to test your brain a bit and see something different, you may want to look into what’s happening at the Cabaret Voltaire. Furthermore, the surrounding streets are full of similar galleries and cafés, giving you even more culture. You just will feel like an artist or something! In fact, something is always going on in this area of town. Very vibrant indeed.

4. Museum Haus Konstruktiv: A Study in Concrete Art

Museum Haus Konstruktiv really is a gold mine for anybody into constructivist, concrete, and conceptual art, it does exactly what it says on the label. Occupying an old substation, the building adds to the experience by giving a contrast between modern art with industrial design. There, you will see works from big-name artists along with up-and-comers, displaying the whole variety of abstract and geometrical expression. With regular displays, Museum Haus Konstruktiv is pretty devoted to showing the development of constructive and concrete art. From the basic works of the early 20th century right up to contemporary pieces, the museum shows a complete look at this influential part of art history.

You really get a sense that the museum likes for people to get hands on with the art. They often have classes, lectures, and guided tours that offer people extra points of view on the artwork. I love that they are almost always pushing the boundaries of what museums are supposed to do, so they tend to experiment and see what sticks. Just be certain to check out their exhibition calendar and get set to get inspired by this spot.

5. Löwenbräukunst: Contemporary Art in a Historic Brewery

For experiencing modern art right inside the building of what used to be the Löwenbräu brewery, go directly over to Löwenbräukunst. Once a factory floor where beer was made, today, that is now full of modern art galleries and displays. Right from the second you walk through the door, you might feel like you are experiencing something cool and unusual, with the gritty modern design setting the tone. What seems great is that a bunch of different galleries have a place here, representing a huge spectrum of different artistic styles. You might get some big works along with stuff that comes from people that are starting to become known. You will definitely find stuff here you won’t see just anywhere.

I usually check out a few different places when I come here because you never know what they might be showing. Just maybe, take some time to stroll around and see which stuff grabs your interest, alright. So, if you are someone that has experimental art, the Löwenbräukunst has that industrial vibe mixed with that real culture kick.