Modern Art Wing

Overview

The Modern Art Wing of the Kunsthaus Zurich, prominently known as the David Chipperfield extension, represents a significant expansion of Switzerland's largest art museum, located in the heart of Zurich. This striking, contemporary structure opened its doors in October 2021, dramatically increasing the museum's exhibition space and establishing it as a pivotal destination for modern and contemporary art. It stands as a testament to Zurich's vibrant cultural landscape, housing pivotal collections of classical modernism, post-1960s art, and the renowned Emil Bührle Collection, alongside spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, this new wing offers a distinctive architectural experience. It is connected to the historical Kunsthaus buildings by an underground passage, creating a seamless journey through art history for visitors. Its thoughtful design and comprehensive collection make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the rich artistic heritage and dynamic contemporary scene of Zurich.

History & Cultural Background

The Kunsthaus Zurich itself boasts a history spanning over a century, with its original Moser building opening in 1910. Over the decades, the museum expanded with additions in 1925, 1958, and 1976. The idea for a substantial new wing emerged from the desire to consolidate and adequately display the museum's ever-growing collection, particularly its modern and contemporary holdings. Zurich, a city with deep roots in cultural movements like Dadaism, which originated here in 1916, has always fostered a progressive artistic environment.

The David Chipperfield extension project, initiated with planning around 2007 and construction beginning later, culminated in its grand opening in 2021. This expansion was a collaborative effort, with half the funding coming from the city and canton of Zurich and the other half from private donors, underscoring the community's commitment to arts and culture. The new wing was conceived not just as an additional exhibition space, but as an urban intervention that creates new public spaces, including a 'Garden of Art' and a central public entrance hall, integrating the museum more deeply into the city's fabric.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Modern Art Wing apart is its harmonious blend of profound artistic treasures and striking contemporary architecture. The building itself is a masterpiece, characterized by its massive rectangular form clad in local Jurassic limestone, featuring slender vertical fins that play with light and shadow. This 'house of rooms' concept inside offers diverse exhibition spaces, each with its unique size, orientation, and lighting, ensuring that the art remains the focal point.

Within these walls, visitors can explore a comprehensive array of works from the 1960s onwards, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, and new media art. It significantly enhances the display of contemporary art within the Kunsthaus. Highlights include key pieces from Impressionism and Classical Modernism, substantial collections by Edvard Munch (the largest outside Norway) and Alberto Giacometti (the most comprehensive anywhere), and works by titans such as Monet, Picasso, Chagall, Van Gogh, Warhol, and Beuys. The presence of the esteemed Emil Bührle Collection further solidifies its status, making it a truly world-class institution.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One fascinating aspect of the new wing is its seamless integration with the existing Kunsthaus complex. Despite being a distinct, freestanding building, an underground passageway thoughtfully connects it to the older sections, allowing visitors to move effortlessly between different eras of art history regardless of the weather. This architectural ingenuity creates a unified museum experience. The expansion also literally doubles the museum's footprint, making the Kunsthaus Zurich the largest art museum in Switzerland by area.

The architectural choices also resonate with Zurich's urban context; the exterior's Jura limestone and geometric clarity nod to traditional stone facades found in other significant public buildings in the city, embedding it culturally while maintaining a contemporary feel. The central entrance hall of the Chipperfield extension is designed not merely as a transitional space but as a public forum, inviting interaction and community engagement. Here, even the largest surviving work by Max Ernst finds a home in the café bar.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, the Modern Art Wing offers an enriching and accessible experience. The upper two floors are dedicated exclusively to art, providing expansive and well-lit galleries for contemplation. On the ground floor, practical amenities such as a café, museum shop, and event spaces are conveniently arranged around the central hall, making it a comfortable place to spend several hours.

General photography of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions is usually permitted, allowing visitors to capture memories, though flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited to preserve the art and ensure a pleasant experience for all. The Kunsthaus Zurich is easily reachable via public transport to the 'Kunsthaus' stop and is located at Heimplatz 1, in the heart of Zurich's old town. Planning at least half a day is recommended to fully immerse yourself in the vast collections housed within this impressive modern wing and the broader museum.