Kunstmuseum Solothurn

About the museum

The Kunstmuseum Solothurn opened in 1902 and initially brought together all of the city's collections, including holdings on history and natural history. It was only converted into a pure art museum in the late 1970s, after the Dübi-Müller Foundation, the Josef Müller Foundation and the Max Gubler Foundation had transferred their holdings here. The natural history and historical collections have since been housed in the Naturmuseum and the Museum Blumenstein.

The industrialist and collector Oscar Miller, who brokered works by Ferdinand Hodler and Cuno Amiet for the museum, was influential in its founding years, followed by the collector Josef Müller as honorary curator and by director André Kamber, who from 1972 supported artists such as Eva Aeppli, Dieter Roth, Daniel Spoerri and Jean Tinguely. Since February 2022, Katrin Steffen has headed the museum as its first female director.

The collection covers Swiss art from the Old Masters to the present; the "Solothurn Madonna" by Hans Holbein the Younger from 1522 is famous. The building stands in a park with sculptures by Swiss artists, including Roman Signer's boot fountain, and is run by the city, which offers all visitors free admission. A complete renovation of the listed 1902 building is planned, and the public is to decide on it at the ballot box.

Highlights

• Solothurn Madonna by Hans Holbein the Younger (1522)
• Works by Ferdinand Hodler, Cuno Amiet and Max Gubler
• Dübi-Müller and Josef Müller foundations with international holdings
• Sculpture park with Roman Signer's boot fountain
• Free admission to the collection, exhibitions and events

Permanent exhibition

• Highlights aus der Sammlung – Collection presentation on the first floor with key works of the museum, including works by Cuno Amiet.

Founded

1902

Operated by

Einwohnergemeinde der Stadt Solothurn

Director

Katrin Steffen

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the collection, exhibitions and public events is free for everyone; this is made possible by the City of Solothurn as the museum's operator. A voluntary donation is welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The step-free entrance with a lift for strollers and wheelchairs is on the north side. All exhibitions, the foyer and the museum café are wheelchair accessible via the lift; a toilet for people with disabilities is located on the ground floor. The museum's own wheelchairs are available to borrow.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

The art education team offers formats for children, families, schools and young people, for example the Kinder Kunst Club and the Kinder- und Jugendtage Solothurn. "School Lab" workshops are available for school classes; schools and daycare centres can also arrange longer-term projects.

Getting there & parking

On foot from the station in about 10 minutes through the old town.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Small museum café in the foyer with drinks and snacks as well as a terrace; shop with postcards, posters and publications; book and magazine corner.

Events & venue rental

For groups, an aperitif can be arranged in connection with a guided tour (enquiries at +41 32 626 93 84).

Plan your visit