Searching for Art in Basel, Switzerland

The country’s cultural capital showcases color and creativity on every corner

Text and photos by Rashmi Gopal Rao

As the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel offers a kaleidoscope of eclectic history and architecture. With both notable museums and a thriving street art scene, the city—located just an hour’s drive from Zurich—makes it easy to be an art aficionado. Here are a few must-stops to make along the way:

Mind the Museums

Housing one of the oldest art collections in the world, the Kunstmuseum Basel showcases a fine collection of Renaissance art, alongside collections in Surrealism, Constructivism, and Dadaism. For those looking for something with more modern flair, The Museum of Contemporary Art houses more recent paintings, sculptures, and video art. Housed amidst lush greenery which includes old trees and water lily ponds, the Fondation Beyeler displays the work of renowned artists from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

A Town Centerpiece

Built in various stages between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Rathaus Basel is located in the central Marktplatz and serves as the seat of the government. You can’t miss the dramatic red building with a prominent tower, while rich paintings and intricately crafted sculptures adorn the inside. The assembly hall as it stands today has been decorated by famous artist Hans Holbein in 1521.

Aesthetic Public Spaces

From lovely paintings on buildings to vibrant street art, the city’s streets feature a riot of color. Don’t miss the graffiti on the streets near the Swiss SBB Railway Station (the largest border station in Europe) and the city center of Grossbasel , which portrays the faces of world famous artists, scientists, and other superstars. For another surprising display, see if you can spot the ornately carved metal fruits and vegetables within the cloisters of The Basel Cathedral.

A Kinetic Display

Located where the stage of the old city theater company once existed, the Tinguely Fountain features ten iron figures constantly in motion. A remarkable piece of art designed by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, the fountain mimics a theater performance as the kinetic fountains appear to play with one another.