Kunsthaus Zürich

Background

The original Kunsthaus Zürich building opened in 1910, and later extensions mean exhibitions are now spread across several buildings. The museum's collection covers Swiss art, European modernism and contemporary art; which galleries a single ticket admits you to varies with the exhibition programme. The Kunsthaus has both a permanent collection and separate temporary exhibitions, so check the day's building map and ticket types before your visit. The buildings on Heimplatz are not far from the Old Town, but the Kunsthaus and the Swiss National Museum are two different institutions; if you visit both in one day, leave enough time to take in the artworks.

Local customs

• Before entering the galleries, check the rules on photography, bag storage and temporary exhibitions
• conservation requirements may differ between works. Some buildings are connected underground, so on your first visit pick up a map inside rather than looking for every exhibition in one building. For popular exhibitions, follow the booking advice on the official website.

Religion & beliefs

• The Kunsthaus has no uniform religious etiquette for entry
• works with religious subjects belong to an art-historical context, but you should still respect the quiet and conservation rules inside.

Travel tips

• The Kunsthaus's official address is Heimplatz 1, on the east side of Zurich's Old Town, reached on foot from the Old Town or by tram. To see only part of the collection, allow 1.5–2 hours
• to see temporary exhibitions and several buildings, allow 3 hours or more. The museum's website distinguishes between the permanent collection, specific special exhibitions and combined tickets
• prices and discounts change, so check which areas you can enter before buying
• discount conditions for students, children and various passes also differ. You can choose works in advance with the museum's digital map, but rotations and conservation-related removals affect what you can see on site, so not every work shown online should be described as visible on the day. Follow the official website and on-site signs on gallery photography, storage and accessible entrances. If you also plan to walk the lakeshore or the Old Town that day, put the Kunsthaus in the afternoon rather than cramming two big museums into one morning.