Sammlung Oskar Reinhart «Am Römerholz»

About the museum

The villa "Am Römerholz" was built between 1913 and 1915 according to plans by Geneva architect Maurice Turrettini for industrialist Henri Sulzer-Ziegler. In 1924, Winterthur businessman Oskar Reinhart (1885–1965) acquired it, having retired from the family business to expand his collecting activities in earnest. In 1925, a gallery wing was added, in which he set older masters in dialogue with 19th-century French painting; the garden was laid out by Zurich brothers Mertens.

Reinhart always acquired only works of the highest quality, often directly from significant private collections. The focus lies on French Impressionism and its immediate predecessors, represented by Géricault, Delacroix, Courbet, Manet, Renoir, Cézanne, and van Gogh. Added are paintings by old masters such as Cranach, Bruegel, Goya, and Chardin as well as individual drawings, sculptures, and textiles.

In 1958, Reinhart donated the collection along with the villa to the Swiss Confederation. After his death in 1965 and some minor renovations, the house opened to the public on March 7, 1970. It is now under the Federal Office of Culture.

After a lengthy closure, the museum reopened on May 9, 2026, following comprehensive renovation: walls and hanging systems were preserved historically, access to the building and wheelchair lift improved, the historic park restored to its original state, and the museum café was newly leased.

Highlights

• Approximately 200 works from Renaissance to early 20th century in the former collector's villa
• French Impressionism with Renoir, Cézanne, Manet, and van Gogh
• Old masters such as Cranach the Elder, Bruegel the Elder, Goya, and Chardin
• Historic park with water features and sculptures
• Museum café with terrace over the park

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung Oskar Reinhart «Am Römerholz» – Approximately 200 works of European art: focus on French Impressionism and its predecessors, supplemented by old masters, in the villa and adjacent painting gallery.
• Historische Gartenanlage – The park designed by the Mertens brothers with strictly ordered area by the building, more naturally designed slope area, water features, and sculptures.

Founded

1970

Operated by

Bundesamt für Kultur (BAK)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Every Wednesday 5–8 p.m. free admission for individuals; guided groups pay admission.

Also free with Raiffeisen Member Plus and Swiss Museum Pass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

After 2026 renovation, access to the building and wheelchair lift were expanded; the garden is accessible without steps. Museum café and restaurant on ground floor are wheelchair accessible, as is the terrace and garden. For wheelchair and personal transport, the museum names providers in Winterthur; assistance dogs welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children up to 16 have free admission. Free children's audio guide (recommended for ages 6–14, about one hour) and children's suitcase with coloring book and detective puzzles (recommended for ages 5–13, reservation recommended). Children's workshop open during Sunday art walks. Children's birthdays: CHF 240 for up to 12 children, 90 minutes plus optional 30 minutes cake; registration four weeks in advance.

Getting there & parking

By car from highway exit Winterthur-Ohringen via Schaffhauserstrasse, Rychenbergstrasse, and Haldenstrasse. Coaches via Schaffhauserstrasse, Lindstrasse, and Haldenstrasse. On foot from main station about 20 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Museum café with terrace (Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m., bistro dishes and pastry); evenings restaurant Reineke (Wed–Sat from 6:30 p.m.) with seasonal fine dining. Museum shop at cashier with art postcards, publications, and gift admission tickets.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 14 guests.

Conference room for meetings and small lectures, Tue–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m., rental CHF 130 per day (CHF 80 in combination with a private tour); food available through the café.

Plan your visit