Kunsthalle Zürich

About the museum

The Kunsthalle Zürich was founded in 1985 as a non-commercial institution for contemporary art and is still run by an association whose members include supporters and patrons. Since 1996 it has been based in the Löwenbräu complex in Zurich's District 5, where it operates in the Löwenbräukunst building under one roof with the Migros Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum Haus Konstruktiv.

The focus is on the production, presentation and mediation of contemporary art in both local and international contexts. Four to six exhibitions are mounted each year, along with events, publications and collaborations with partners in Switzerland and abroad. The institution has been shaped by its directors Bernhard Mendes Bürgi (1990 to 2001), Beatrix Ruf (2001 to 2014) and Daniel Baumann (2015 to 2024); since 2025 Fanny Hauser has been at the helm.

A particular emphasis lies on art education: there are public tours, free workshops for school classes in the in-house "Studio", family afternoons and the option of celebrating children's birthdays. The Kunsthalle receives financial support from the City of Zurich Culture department, the Cultural Office of the Canton of Zurich and the Luma Foundation, as well as from sponsors and patrons.

Highlights

• Non-commercial, association-run art space for contemporary art since 1985
• Four to six exhibitions per year
• Free admission on Thursday evenings (5–8 p.m.)
• Combined ticket with the Museum Haus Konstruktiv
• Education studio with workshops and family afternoons

Founded

1985

Operated by

Verein Kunsthalle Zürich

Director

Fanny Hauser

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

Admission is also free with the ZürichCARD, Raiffeisen MemberPlus, Swiss Museum Pass, KulturLegi, Euro 26 and Young Swiss Card, for members and patrons of the association, members of ICOM, AICA, CIMAM, ICOMOS and other professional associations, and for persons with permit N, S or F. Private tours: CHF 160 during and CHF 280 outside opening hours, in each case plus admission fees.

Accessibility

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

The entire exhibition area is barrier-free; step-free access with a lift is at the side entrance, Limmatstrasse 268, while the main entrance (Limmatstrasse 270) has 14 steps. Accessible toilet on the lower level, folding chairs and benches, exhibition texts also in large print and available to listen to via QR code, earplugs at reception. Two free disabled parking spaces in the courtyard (access via Gerstenstrasse). Accompanied exhibition visits on request (at least three days in advance). Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a lead. Information is also available via Procap Zugangsmonitor, OK:GO and the Ginto app.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Families and children are welcome; a baby-changing table is located on the lower level. The family or "Afternoons for Everyone" take place at least monthly on Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. (for everyone aged 4 and up, children up to 16 with an adult; CHF 16 per adult including admission, children free, registration by email). Children's birthday parties with a tour and studio work: CHF 250 for 120 minutes.

Getting there & parking

The building is in the Löwenbräukunst complex on Limmatstrasse; the Kunsthalle is part of the Museum Network Zurich.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The vegetarian bistro LO I is on the ground floor of the Löwenbräukunst (Tuesday to Friday 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.); the café in the Museum Haus Konstruktiv (Limmatstrasse 268) is accessible during the museum's opening hours.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit