Kunsthaus Glarus

About the museum

The Glarner Kunstverein was founded in 1870 and still runs the Kunsthaus today. From the beginning it collected works by regional, Swiss and international artists; this collection got its own building in 1952, when the Kunsthaus in the city park, designed by the Glarus architect Hans Leuzinger, opened.

The building consists of plain volumes with windowless yellow brick walls, topped by gabled roofs of frosted wired glass. Inside, skylit halls alternate with a side-lit hall glazed from floor to ceiling, which brings the park into the exhibition. Between 2018 and 2019 the largely original building was renovated by Conen Sigl Architekten; in the basement, where the natural history collection was formerly housed, a visible storage area and another hall for education and events were created.

Since the mid-1990s the house has made a name for itself as a venue for young, often little-shown positions in contemporary art; for many artists, their first solo exhibition in an institution took place here. It also shows works from the Kunstverein's holdings, including the estate of the painter Gustav Schneeli with around 144 works, and devotes an annual exhibition to Glarus art. The director is currently Annette Amberg.

Highlights

• Kunsthaus by Hans Leuzinger (1952) with glass roofs in the city park
• Contemporary art with a focus on young positions
• Collection of the Glarner Kunstverein since 1870
• Visible storage in the basement with online collection catalogue
• Estate of Gustav Schneeli

Founded

1952

Operated by

Glarner Kunstverein

Director

Annette Amberg

Admission & discounts

Free for members of the Kunstverein and for members of Visarte and VKKS. Reduced admission with Kulturlegi and for companions of a child with a Zugpferdlipass (SOB).

Accessibility

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

Access and exhibition rooms are wheelchair accessible, all floors reachable by lift, wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral toilet. For the Schneeli hall on the ground floor, please ask the staff. Animals are not permitted, except designated assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Free "Afternoons for Children" and "Afternoons for Everyone" with artists and craftspeople, workshops for families, and the multi-month "Class for Young Artists" (ages 10 to 16).

Getting there & parking

By car on the Zurich–Chur motorway to the exit Niederurnen–Näfels–Glarus, then on the main road to Glarus and towards the station/Volksgarten.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 300 guests.

The Glarner Kunstverein rents out the cultural space KKG (up to about 100 people) and the neighbouring Güterschuppen Glarus (about 300 people) to external organisers, corporate events, seminars and lectures; with a guided tour or aperitif on request.

Plan your visit