Kunsthalle Wil
Non-profit exhibition space for contemporary art in the old town of Wil, with free admission and five exhibitions a year.
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About the museum
The Kunsthalle Wil was founded in 1991 by an association of local artists who wanted to make contemporary work from the region and all of Switzerland visible in Wil. At first it had no fixed home and used temporary spaces: first rooms above the former post office, then from 2003 various rooms in the courtyard in Wil, including the Brauhaus and the Dienerschaftskapelle.
Since 2009 the Kunsthalle has had its own building, with support from the city, in the former Kleintiermarkthalle, just a few steps from its earlier location. The building was remodeled by Viola Architekten and has a partly transparent wooden facade; the same year it received the Prix Casa recognition award from Wil Tourismus. A loggia connects the interior and the outdoor area and makes it possible to move suitable works outside.
The program features artists who have been working independently for some years but are not yet among the big names of the art market; the focus is on experimental, site-related works. Five exhibitions take place each year. The directors were Frank Nievergelt from 1991 to 2013, then a pair of curators, and since 2020 Sonja Rüegg. As a non-profit association, the Kunsthalle is funded by contributions from the city, the canton, foundations, sponsors and donors.
Highlights
- Contemporary, often site-related and experimental art
- Five exhibitions a year with guided tours and artist talks
- Free admission (donations welcome)
- Award-winning timber building in the former Kleintiermarkthalle
- Barrier-free access to the exhibition rooms and toilet
- Founded
- 1991
- Operated by
- Verein Kunsthalle Wil
- Director
- Sonja Rüegg
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Group tour (on request, also with an apéro) | CHF 150From CHF 150 |
|---|---|
| Guided tour for school classes | CHF 80From CHF 80 |
Free admission; a donation is requested.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Barrier-free access to the exhibition rooms and the toilet.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hof zu Wil
Bus lines 701, 702, 703, 722 and 737 run directly from Bahnhofplatz Wil to the stop "Hof zu Wil". On foot from the train station, via the upper Bahnhofstrasse and through the old town, it takes about 15 minutes; the Kunsthalle is on the right, behind the city gate.
By car
Parking available · 3-min walk to the entrance
Parkhaus Altstadt/Viehmarktplatz (entrance at Tonhallestrasse 30), about 3 minutes on foot away. There are a few parking spaces opposite the Kunsthalle.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Regular guided tours, artist talks and workshops (dates are listed with each exhibition). Groups and clubs can book private tours; school classes have their own education program with a registration form. |
