Kunsthalle Basel
Switzerland's oldest art hall: exhibitions of contemporary art in a classical building in the center of Basel.
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About the museum
Kunsthalle Basel dates back to the Basel Art Association, which was founded in 1839 and merged with the Basel Artists Society in 1864. The association pushed through the construction of its own exhibition building: between 1869 and 1872, a classical building designed by Johann Jakob Stehlin-Burckhardt was built at Steinenberg, which opened its doors in spring 1872. It is considered the oldest art hall in Switzerland.
The house does not have a collection, but shows changing exhibitions focusing on the artists – often early in their careers. Milestones include the 1949 Impressionist exhibition with Monet's water lily paintings and the 1958 'New American Painting' exhibition, which introduced Abstract Expressionism to Europe for the first time.
During the 2004 renovation by Miller & Maranta, the Swiss Architecture Museum SAM moved into the building; both institutions have shared the house, entrance and ticket since then. Since 2024, Mohamed Almusibli heads the art hall. The building also houses a bookstore and the library of the Basel Art Association.
Highlights
- Switzerland's oldest art hall (building from 1872)
- Changing exhibitions of contemporary art, often early in the artists' careers
- One ticket also valid for the SAM Swiss Architecture Museum
- Bookstore with artist books, catalogs and editions
- Espresso tour: 20 minutes overview, espresso included
- Founded
- 1872
- Operated by
- Basler Kunstverein
- Director
- Mohamed Almusibli
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 8Students, apprentices and trainees with ID, AHV pensioners and seniors (from 64/65), job seekers, groups of 10+ people, KulturLegi |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · Persons up to 18 years have free admission. |
| Seniors | CHF 8AHV pensioners and seniors from 64/65 with ID. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with disabilities have free admission. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 8Students, apprentices and trainees with ID; students of the Art History Seminar, School of Design and HGK Basel are free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 8 per personGroups of 10+ people, price per person. School classes and other educational institutions receive free tours (plus CHF 8 admission). |
The admission also applies to the SAM Swiss Architecture Museum in the same building. According to the museum, free admission also includes members of the Basel Art Association and SAM, holders of Museums-PASS-Musées, ICOM members, Colour-Key holders, refugees with status F, N, S or B and press. Reduced admission for Swiss Museum Pass, Swiss Travel Pass and Basel Card holders.
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
All rooms are fully wheelchair accessible; at the main entrance Steinenberg 7, staff assistance is required (telephone +41 61 206 99 01).
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Art mediation offers tours, workshops and discussion formats for children and young people; people up to 18 years have free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bankverein
Between tram stops 'Bankverein', 'Barfüsserplatz' and 'Theater', easily accessible from SBB station and Badische train station (tram 2, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16).
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No own parking; recommended are the parking garages Anfos House (Henric Petri-Strasse 58), Elisabeth (Steinenschanze 5), Art Museum (Luftgässlein 4) and Steinenparking (at Heuwaage).
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookstore with art, architecture and contemporary culture titles, editions and exhibition posters.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public tours Sundays 15–16 hrs without registration and included in admission; the 'Espresso Tour' gives an overview in 20 minutes. Private group tours (up to 20 people) cost CHF 150 plus reduced admission, registration at +41 61 206 99 09. For schools and universities, tours and workshops are free. |
