The Five Best Art Museums in Basel (Plus Two Bonus Picks for Fun)
- Museum Girl
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Basel is often called Switzerland’s cultural capital, and for good reason. With world-class museums, a thriving contemporary art scene, and the annual Art Basel fair drawing collectors and creatives from around the globe, this city is an art lover’s dream.
Whether you’re into old masters, modern masterpieces, or something a little more unconventional, Basel has a museum for you.
Here’s a roundup of the five best art museums in town - plus two bonus picks you won’t want to miss.
Fondation Beyeler – A Masterpiece Inside and Out
If you only have time for one museum in Basel, make it the Fondation Beyeler. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, this stunning museum is located in the peaceful suburb of Riehen, just a short tram ride from the city center. It’s worth the trip just for the views: the museum’s glass walls open up to lush gardens and a lovely lily pond, creating a serene setting that perfectly complements the incredible collection inside.
The Beyeler collection focuses on Impressionist, Modern, and contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Monet, Rothko, and Giacometti, among others. Their rotating exhibitions are consistently world-class, often featuring some of the biggest names in art history. If you’re reading this after 2024, you may have missed the Matisse exhibition—but don’t worry, there’s always something extraordinary coming up, like Yayoi Kusama or Vija Clemins.
Pro Tip: The Beyeler Café is one of the best spots in Basel to enjoy a coffee while soaking in the artful surroundings.
2. Kunstmuseum Basel – The Heart of Swiss Art
Basel’s Kunstmuseum isn’t just one of the best museums in Switzerland—it’s also the oldest public art collection in the world, dating back to 1661. But don’t let its age fool you; this museum is anything but outdated. With three buildings (Hauptbau, Neubau, and Gegenwart), the Kunstmuseum offers a 3-in-1 experience, covering everything from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
In the Hauptbau (the original building), you’ll find masterpieces by Holbein, van Gogh, and Cézanne. The Neubau houses modern and contemporary works by artists like Warhol, Richter, and Bacon. A short walk away, the Gegenwart building focuses on contemporary art, with past exhibitions featuring feminist art movements and the great When We See Us exhibition.
Pro Tip: If you want a full day of art, start at Beyeler in the morning, have lunch in the old town, then visit Kunstmuseum in the afternoon!
3. Museum Tinguely – Kinetic Art at Its Best
If you like your art with a bit of movement (and a whole lot of personality), the Museum Tinguely is a must-visit. Dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, this museum is an explosion of creativity, featuring kinetic sculptures that whirr, clank, and come to life at the push of a button.
Tinguely was known for his playful, machine-like sculptures that blend art and engineering in the most unexpected ways. The museum, located right along the Rhine, offers an interactive and often humorous take on modern art. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to press buttons, explore hidden corners, and see art from a new perspective.
Pro Tip: Walk to the museum along the Rhine and enjoy the sights, architecture, and flow of the river on your journey.
4. Kunsthalle Basel – Cutting-Edge Contemporary Art
For those who love discovering the next big thing, Kunsthalle Basel is the place to be. This contemporary art space has been championing emerging artists for over a century, showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions that often push the boundaries of what art can be.
Unlike the grand museums on this list, Kunsthalle is smaller, more intimate, and ever-changing. One visit might feature an immersive installation, while another could highlight performance art or experimental photography. If you’re interested in seeing where contemporary art is headed, Kunsthalle Basel is your spot.
Fun Fact: Kunsthalle’s past exhibitions have included artists before they became global superstars (like Kara Walker and Pipilotti Rist and Mika Rottenberg, so you might just catch the next big name before they make it big,
5. Schaulager – Where Art Meets Experimentation
The Schaulager is a bit of a mystery to many visitors—it’s not a traditional museum but rather a hybrid space that combines an art warehouse, research center, and exhibition hall. Located on the outskirts of Basel, Schaulager is home to the collection of the Laurenz Foundation and focuses on contemporary art in all its forms.
The exhibitions here are rare but spectacular—think large-scale installations, immersive environments, and museum-defying concepts. Because it’s not open year-round, checking their website before you visit is a must. If you manage to catch an exhibition, you’ll experience some of the most thought-provoking contemporary art in Switzerland.
Pro Tip: If you love conceptual art and museum spaces that challenge traditional formats, Schaulager will be right up your alley.
🏆 Bonus Round: Two Extra Museums for the Curious Art Lover 🏆
Bonus 1: Vitra Design Museum – A Playground for Design Lovers
Okay, technically it’s not in Basel—it’s in Germany, just across the border—but the Vitra Design Museum is too good to leave off the list. This architectural wonder showcases the best of modern design, featuring works by legends like Charles & Ray Eames, Zaha Hadid, and Frank Gehry (who also designed part of the campus).
If you’re interested in architecture, furniture design, or simply enjoy seeing how art and function intersect, Vitra is worth the short trip from Basel.
Pro Tip: The Vitra campus is massive, so plan your visit ahead and don’t miss the VitraHaus, where you can actually test out iconic furniture pieces.
Bonus 2: Cartoonmuseum Basel – Is a Comic Strip Art? You Decide.
Are cartoons and comics real art? That’s up for debate, but one visit to the Cartoonmuseum Basel will make you appreciate the artistry behind them. This quirky museum is dedicated to narrative art, featuring everything from political cartoons to graphic novels and animation.
It’s a refreshing change from the more traditional art museums and a fun stop for anyone who loves illustration, satire, or a good laugh.
Basel is an art city through and through, and its museums reflect that diversity—from classical masterpieces to kinetic sculptures, cutting-edge installations to playful cartoons. Whether you stick to the classics or venture into the more experimental spaces, one thing’s for sure: you won’t run out of inspiration here.
Which museum are you heading to first? Let me know in the comments - or tag us on Instagram (@artmuseumsoftheworld) if you visit one of these spots!
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