Fotomuseum Winterthur
Museum for photography and photographic media in Winterthur with changing exhibitions, a contemporary photography collection and educational programs.
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About the museum
The Fotomuseum Winterthur was founded in 1993 and understands photography simultaneously as art, document, and shaper of realities. It presents works by young and established photographers in changing exhibitions, addressing current social, political and media topics; complemented by events, workshops and a broad educational program for schools and groups.
The museum uses two opposite buildings at Grüzenstrasse 44 and 45 on the edge of the old town; the smaller one is a former factory. Together with the Fotostiftung Schweiz, it operates the Fotozentrum with a specialist library, museum shop, bistro and collection storage. Since 2003, portions of its own contemporary photography collection are shown annually in curated presentations.
Starting in June 2023, the exhibition spaces were closed due to renovation and remodeling; in May 2025 they reopened after construction and renovation work. The Stiftung Fotomuseum Winterthur is the operator, supported by an association with several thousand members.
Highlights
- Changing exhibitions on photography between art, document and media image
- Contemporary photography collection with annual collection presentations
- Joint Fotozentrum with Fotostiftung Schweiz: photo library, shop and Bistro George
- Educational programs for school classes and groups
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Stiftung Fotomuseum Winterthur
- Director
- Nadine Wietlisbach
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 12Students, apprentices and university students, seniors, with disability pass |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Under 16 free admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 12 |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 12with disability pass |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 12Students, apprentices and university students |
| Exhibition pass (Fotomuseum Winterthur and Fotostiftung Schweiz) | CHF 19reduced 16 CHF |
Free admission: Every Wednesday 5–8 PM free admission.
Admission prices per joint visitor information (Fotomuseum Winterthur). Free admission for members of the Fotostiftung Schweiz and Fotomuseum Winterthur support associations and friends circles of Photo Elysée and Centre de la Photographie Genève, school classes and university members of Zurich Canton, holders of Winterthur Museum Pass and Museum Pass (including Raiffeisen), ICOM members and with KulturLegi.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Fotomuseum, Fotostiftung and Bistro George are wheelchair accessible; in the neighboring Fotostiftung building there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a rental wheelchair available.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
Under 16 free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Fotozentrum
Train to Winterthur, from station take bus 2 toward Seen for three stops to Fotozentrum stop.
By car
Parking available
Few parking options right at Fotostiftung Schweiz.
Bike racks beside the Fotostiftung Schweiz entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Bistro George (Tuesday–Friday 11 AM–5 PM, Wednesday until 8 PM, Saturday/Sunday 11 AM–6 PM) and museum shop in the joint Fotozentrum, plus a public specialist library shared with Fotostiftung Schweiz.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Interactive tours, workshops and digital formats; a dedicated educational program for school classes and groups. |
