Kunsthaus Zürich
Zurich · Switzerland · Founded 1787
Quick answer
Kunsthaus Zürich in Zurich, Switzerland — the Kunsthaus Zürich traces its origins to the Zürich Art Society, founded in 1787 — making it one of the oldest civic art institutions in Europe. Open Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays. Admission: CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately. Allow 3–4 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Kunsthaus Zürich at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours |
| Best time to visit | Wednesday evening — the museum stays open late; weekday mornings are quietest. |
| Getting there | Tram: Trams 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11 to Kunsthaus or Neumarkt stops |
| Address | Heimplatz 1, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland |
| Official website | kunsthaus.ch |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Kunsthaus Zürich known for?
The Kunsthaus Zürich is Switzerland's most important art museum and one of the finest collections in German-speaking Europe. Founded in 1787, it holds masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present, with exceptional depth in Swiss art, German Expressionism, and French Impressionism.
The museum's collection was transformed by major donations: the Bührle Collection of French Impressionism and Old Masters (housed in a separate extension), the Giacometti Foundation's holdings of Alberto and Diego Giacometti, and the Moser, Fischli/Weiss, and video art collections.
In 2020 the museum opened a major extension by David Chipperfield Architects, adding new galleries for modern and contemporary art and nearly doubling the exhibition space. The original 1910 Karl Moser building remains the heart of the institution.
Located on Heimplatz beside the university and Schauspielhaus theatre, the Kunsthaus anchors Zürich's museum quarter and draws visitors from across Switzerland and beyond.
Best for: Art Lovers · Modern Art Fans · Architecture Enthusiasts
How long do you need at Kunsthaus Zürich?
Allow 3–4 hours. A focused route through 5 must-see highlights at Kunsthaus Zürich without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Night
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's monumental Symbolist painting of intertwined sleeping figures, a defining work of Swiss art and a Kunsthaus icon.
- 2
Self-Portrait with Model
📍 Modern Art Gallery
A late Munch self-portrait from the museum's strong Nordic holdings, showing the artist's expressive late style.
- 3
Walking Man I
📍 Giacometti Foundation Gallery
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated bronze figures, among the most important sculptures of the twentieth century.
- 4
Water Lilies
📍 Impressionism Gallery
A major Monet Nymphéas canvas from the museum's Impressionist collection, complemented by works in the Bührle Collection.
- 5
The Chosen Six
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's epic Symbolist composition depicting six Swiss warriors, a patriotic allegory and technical tour de force.
What are the must-see works at Kunsthaus Zürich?
5 highlights that define the collection: The Night, Self-Portrait with Model, Walking Man I and more.
The Night
Ferdinand Hodler · 1889–1890
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's monumental Symbolist painting of intertwined sleeping figures, a defining work of Swiss art and a Kunsthaus icon.
Self-Portrait with Model
Edvard Munch · 1919–1921
📍 Modern Art Gallery
A late Munch self-portrait from the museum's strong Nordic holdings, showing the artist's expressive late style.
Walking Man I
Alberto Giacometti · 1960
📍 Giacometti Foundation Gallery
One of Giacometti's iconic elongated bronze figures, among the most important sculptures of the twentieth century.
Water Lilies
Claude Monet · c. 1918
📍 Impressionism Gallery
A major Monet Nymphéas canvas from the museum's Impressionist collection, complemented by works in the Bührle Collection.
The Chosen Six
Ferdinand Hodler · 1897–1898
📍 Swiss Art Gallery
Hodler's epic Symbolist composition depicting six Swiss warriors, a patriotic allegory and technical tour de force.
Collections and highlights
- • Swiss art from Hodler to contemporary
- • Alberto Giacometti sculptures and paintings
- • French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
- • German Expressionism — Munch, Kirchner, Nolde
- • Old Masters including Rubens and Rembrandt
- • Bührle Collection (separate wing)
- • Contemporary art and video installations
- • Medieval panel painting and sculpture
Tips for visiting Kunsthaus Zürich
- 1.
Best time to visit
Wednesday evening — the museum stays open late; weekday mornings are quietest.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate; Chipperfield extension galleries spread visitors well.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Around CHF 23 standard admission; CHF 26 combined with Bührle Collection.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Museum restaurant; cafés on Rämistrasse and near the university.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible with lifts in both historic and new buildings.
How do you get to Kunsthaus Zürich?
- tram Trams 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11 to Kunsthaus or Neumarkt stops
- train Zürich Hauptbahnhof — 15-minute walk or short tram ride to Heimplatz
- walk Pleasant walk from the Old Town across the Limmat and up to Heimplatz
Address: Heimplatz 1, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Kunsthaus Zürich: frequently asked questions
Is the Kunsthaus Zürich worth visiting?
Yes — the Kunsthaus holds one of the finest permanent collections in Central Europe, with exceptional Giacometti and Munch holdings that are difficult to see at this quality anywhere else. The David Chipperfield extension also makes it architecturally significant.
What is special about the Giacometti collection?
The Kunsthaus holds the world's largest institutional collection of works by Alberto Giacometti, comprising paintings, drawings, and sculptures across all periods of his career. Giacometti was Swiss, born in the canton of Graubünden, and the Kunsthaus has maintained a close relationship with his foundation.
How long should I spend at Kunsthaus Zürich?
Plan 3–4 hours for the highlights of Kunsthaus Zürich. Our 5-stop route — The Night, Self-Portrait with Model, Walking Man I and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Kunsthaus Zürich best known for?
The Kunsthaus Zürich traces its origins to the Zürich Art Society, founded in 1787 — making it one of the oldest civic art institutions in Europe. The museum building on Heimplatz opened in 1910 (Karl Moser) and was dramatically expanded in 2021 with a new wing by David Chipperfield Architects, making the combined Kunsthaus the largest art museum in Switzerland. Key highlights include Alberto Giacometti — one of the finest institutional collections of his sculpture and painting, Edvard Munch — second-largest collection outside Norway, Claude Monet — three Water Lilies paintings and major Impressionist works.
How do I get tickets for Kunsthaus Zürich?
Admission: CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately. Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://www.kunsthaus.ch/en/
Is the Bührle Collection included in the main ticket?
The Bührle Collection requires a separate or combined ticket. It holds major Impressionist and Old Master works in a dedicated wing.
Where is the Giacometti collection?
The Alberto Giacometti Foundation's works are displayed in dedicated galleries in the Chipperfield extension, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings.
How does this compare to the Rijksmuseum or Kunsthistorisches Museum?
The Kunsthaus is smaller but exceptional for Swiss art, Giacometti, Munch, and Impressionism. The Bührle Collection rivals Paris for Impressionist depth.
Is Kunsthaus Zürich open on Mondays?
No — Kunsthaus Zürich is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are Kunsthaus Zürich's opening hours?
Kunsthaus Zürich is open Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Kunsthaus Zürich free to visit?
No — standard admission is CHF 26 standard adult admission (approx. €26); temporary exhibitions priced separately.