Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst

About the museum

The collection of the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst goes back to Gottlieb Duttweiler, the founder of Migros: in the mid-1950s he began purchasing artworks in order to support artists in Switzerland. Over the decades this corporate collection grew into a holding that reaches far beyond the original intention. The museum itself was founded in 1996 and, as an institution, is part of the Migros Culture Percentage.

Programme and collection are closely linked: a large share of the acquisitions arise from the exhibitions, which are often produced in close collaboration with the artists. While acquisitions in the 1970s concentrated on Minimal Art, German painting and important Swiss positions, for two decades the focus has been on contemporary art, including installation and performance works as well as works addressing social and political issues. Names represented include Maurizio Cattelan, Urs Fischer, Douglas Gordon and Rirkrit Tiravanija.

The building is located in the Löwenbräukunst complex on Limmatstrasse. Since 2023, all exhibitions, events and tours have been free of charge. The "Café Bourouissa" offers a public lounge area with no obligation to consume, and since 2026 the museum has held the "Kultur inklusiv" label in bronze.

Highlights

• Free admission to all exhibitions, events and tours
• Collection of contemporary art with regular collection presentations
• Café Bourouissa as a public lounge area with no obligation to consume
• Puzzle booklets and backpacks for art detectives (ages 8 to 12)
• Tours in sign language, with audio description and by telephone

Founded

1996

Operated by

Migros-Kulturprozent

Director

Leitungskollektiv (Tasnim Baghdadi, Patrick Ilg, Yasmin Naderi Afschar, Catherine Reymond, Nadia Schneider Willen)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Since 2023, all exhibitions, events and tours have been free of charge.

Accessibility

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

All exhibition levels can be reached by lift; the step-free entrance is at Limmatstrasse 268 (lift), while the direct access at Limmatstrasse 270 has stairs (routes within the listed building are not direct). Wheelchair-accessible toilet on the 1st basement level, loan wheelchair at the visitor service, ample seating, stair steps marked with high contrast. Two free disabled parking spaces in the courtyard (cannot be reserved). Handouts also in plain language and large print, sign language video at the entrance, audio guide for selected exhibitions (German, English), tours with sign language and audio description according to the events calendar. Free guided tours for people with disabilities by appointment. Assistance dogs welcome; no tactile guidance system.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

On selected Sundays from 2 to 5 pm, free family afternoons take place (ideal for children aged 3 to 12, no registration, start any time): short tours followed by an open studio. There is also the puzzle booklet "Kunstdetektiv*innen!" (ages 8 to 12) with a backpack that can be borrowed free of charge (14 available, no reservation). Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults.

Getting there & parking

The stop is about 75 metres from the step-free entrance and about 100 metres from the direct museum entrance. With the ZürichCard, travel to the museum on all public transport is free.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Free cloakroom. The "Café Bourouissa" is a public lounge area with no obligation to consume (tea and water free of charge); coffee is available next door at Bistro LOI.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit