Modern Art Wing

Overview

The Kunstmuseum Basel, nestled in the vibrant city of Basel, Switzerland, stands as a beacon of artistic heritage, boasting the world's oldest public art collection. While the museum is celebrated for its vast historical holdings, its commitment to art from recent centuries is equally profound. What might be termed the 'Modern Art Wing' is not a singular, distinct physical wing, but rather a dynamic presentation of modern and contemporary art distributed across its three impressive venues: the historic Hauptbau, the sleek Neubau, and the pioneering Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart. The Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, specifically, is a dedicated space focusing on art from the 1960s to the present day, making it a pivotal destination for lovers of contemporary expression.

History & Cultural Background

Basel's dedication to making art accessible to the public dates back to 1661 with the acquisition of the Amerbach Cabinet, establishing it as the world's first municipally owned public art collection. This deep-rooted commitment paved the way for the museum's expansive development over centuries. The formal journey into modern art significantly accelerated after World War I, with a focused effort to build a collection of international modernism. A particularly poignant chapter in the museum's history occurred in 1939 when, with remarkable foresight and state funds, the Kunstmuseum acquired 21 major modernist artworks that had been denounced as 'degenerate art' by the Nazi regime. This bold acquisition not only preserved invaluable pieces but also laid a cornerstone for its now world-renowned modern art collection, a decision both pivotal and controversial at the time. Later, in 1980, the institution further solidified its modern credentials by opening the Museum für Gegenwartskunst, which later became the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart. This was a revolutionary move, as it was Europe's first public museum established solely for contemporary art, showcasing works from the 1960s onwards.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Modern Art collections of the Kunstmuseum Basel apart is their incredible breadth and the compelling narratives they tell. Within the Hauptbau, visitors encounter classical modernism, featuring masterpieces from Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism, including significant works by European and American artists up to around 1950. The collection includes notable pieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Franz Marc, and Oskar Kokoschka. The Neubau, opened in 2016, complements this by hosting special exhibitions and presentations of art from the collections focusing on works created after 1950, creating a fluid dialogue between different eras of modernism. Meanwhile, the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, idyllically situated by the Rhine, offers an immersive experience into contemporary art. Its collection includes influential works by Joseph Beuys, Bruce Nauman, Rosemarie Trockel, and Jeff Wall, reflecting diverse media from painting and sculpture to video art. The interplay between these three venues allows for a comprehensive journey through modern and contemporary artistic movements, presenting them not as isolated phenomena but as interconnected expressions of human creativity.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most compelling stories associated with the Kunstmuseum Basel's modern collection is the aforementioned acquisition of 'degenerate art'. Imagine a city, in the tense atmosphere leading up to World War II, making a conscious, public effort to save art deemed 'un-German' by a tyrannical regime. This act of defiance and commitment to artistic freedom is a testament to Basel's enduring cultural values. Another intriguing detail surrounds the genesis of the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart. Its establishment was initially spurred by the potential loan of a vast collection of contemporary art from Italian collector Giuseppe Panza di Biumo in the mid-1970s. Although the loan ultimately did not materialize, the momentum created led to the construction of a dedicated contemporary art museum, demonstrating Basel's unwavering resolve to nurture and display cutting-edge art. The location of the Gegenwart itself, on the banks of the Rhine in Grossbasel, adds to its charm, offering a beautiful setting for contemplating complex contemporary works. This integration of modern architectural design with the city's historical riverfront provides a unique cultural experience.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, exploring the modern and contemporary art within the Kunstmuseum Basel is a truly enriching experience. Moving between the Hauptbau, with its classical modern masterpieces, and the Gegenwart, with its often thought-provoking and experimental contemporary installations, offers a profound sense of art's evolution. The Hauptbau allows for a meditative appreciation of early 20th-century movements, while the Neubau often surprises with its temporary exhibitions of post-1950 art. Stepping into the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart, visitors are invited to engage with the art of our time, often presented in rotating collection exhibitions that ensure there's always something new to discover. The museum actively encourages deeper engagement through regular lectures, discussions, and guided tours, offering multi-layered approaches to art that cater to both seasoned art enthusiasts and those new to the modern and contemporary scene. It's a journey through artistic innovation that connects the past to the vibrant present, all within the charming historical setting of Basel.