Kunsthaus Bregenz

About the museum

Kunsthaus Bregenz was built on behalf of the State of Vorarlberg according to plans by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and was constructed between 1990 and 1997. As early as 1992, a project office began work and started building a collection with focus on architecture and Austrian contemporary art. The house opened in 1997.

The building is internationally known for its architecture: in the three identically structured upper floors, soft daylight falls on the art through glass ceilings. Zumthor received the 1998 Mies van der Rohe Prize of the EU for this; in 2009 he was awarded the Pritzker Prize. The neighboring black building at Karl-Tizian-Platz houses the KUB Café Bar.

The KUB does not have a permanent collection, but shows several individual exhibitions per year, for which artists from all over the world often create new works specifically for the house that respond to space and light. Founding director was Edelbert Köb; he was followed by Eckhard Schneider and Yilmaz Dziewior. Since May 2015, Thomas D. Trummer has headed the house. Additionally, there are poster projects in the city (KUB Billboards) and an archive of art and architecture with models by Zumthor and drawings by Donald Judd, among others.

Highlights

• Architecture by Peter Zumthor with daylight-flooded exhibition floors
• Several large individual exhibitions of international contemporary art per year
• Works often created specifically for the house
• KUB Billboards in the city
• Location directly on Lake Constance next to the harbor

Founded

1997

Operated by

Vorarlberger Kulturhäuser-Betriebsgesellschaft mbH (Land Vorarlberg)

Director

Thomas D. Trummer

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every first Thursday of the month from 17:00 free admission (KUB Night)

Free admission also for KUB friends and with culture pass 'Hunger for Art and Culture', ICOM card, Hugo Boss ArtPass, austriaguides and members of the Austrian Association of Art Educators. The admission ticket is valid on the day of visit as a day ticket throughout the Vorarlberg transport association.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The heavy double door at the entrance is opened by the team on request (bell on the column to the right of the entrance). Lift to all floors; loan wheelchair and folding chairs available; quiet room in the basement level 1. Inclusive tours for blind and visually impaired people, for deaf people with sign language interpreters and for people with dementia; exhibition texts in easy language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Workshops 'Kids Art' (5–10 years) and 'Art Easy Kids' (3–5 years), holiday workshops, family tours and free KUB ArtClass for teenagers. For each exhibition there is a free discovery leaflet. Birthday parties in the KUB atelier; the lift also accommodates strollers.

Getting there & parking

Easily accessible via the Lake Constance cycle path; ships from Vorarlberg Lines dock directly opposite in Bregenz harbor.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

KUB Café Bar in the adjacent building at Karl-Tizian-Platz. Shop in the foyer; cloakroom in the ground floor and basement level 1 with lockable lockers (1 or 2 euro coin).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Foyer, exhibition floors, event area in the basement and Karl-Tizian-Platz for receptions, presentations, conferences and photo and film shoots, as far as compatible with exhibition operations; catering via the KUB Café Bar.

Plan your visit