Kunsthaus Grenchen

About the museum

The Kunsthaus is run by the Stiftung Kunsthaus Grenchen, which was founded in 1972 by the town of Grenchen and the Kunstgesellschaft Grenchen. Both contributed their existing art holdings, and from the start the foundation focused its collecting on printmaking, a niche that continued the tradition of the Triennale für farbige Originalgraphik, held from 1958 onward. Initially exhibitions were shown in a former Migros building in the town center and later in rented rooms on the Solothurnstrasse.

In May 1984 the Kunsthaus moved into the renovated Villa Girard, a 19th-century house. For just over two decades it presented exhibitions of supra-regional significance, until the space was no longer sufficient to show temporary exhibitions and collection displays at the same time, and storing the prints also became a problem. On May 24, 2008, the extension designed by the Solothurn office ssm architekten opened. It is connected to the villa and offers a column-free exhibition space of around 300 square meters; at the same time the park was redesigned with large sculptures.

Today the collection comprises around 17,000 works, predominantly prints, from the 16th century to the present, with particular emphasis on artists from the canton of Solothurn. A fixed part of the program is the exhibition IMPRESSION, held every two years, on Swiss printmaking. There is also a printmaking studio on the top floor and a broad educational program for children, schools and adults.

Highlights

• Collection of around 17,000 works, mostly prints, from the 16th century to today
• Villa Girard from the 19th century, connected to the new building of 2008
• Sculpture park with large sculptures by Carlo Borer, Franz Eggenschwiler, Schang Hutter and others
• IMPRESSION exhibition on Swiss printmaking, held every two years
• Printmaking studio with workshops for children, schools and adults

Permanent exhibition

• Rundgang im Park – The park behind the Kunsthaus, redesigned in 2008, shows large sculptures from the collection, mostly by sculptors from the region, and is freely accessible at all times.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Stiftung Kunsthaus Grenchen

Director

Robin Byland

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is on a voluntary basis; CHF 5 is recommended. Public tours and the children's workshops are free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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 old and new buildings are connected and fully wheelchair-accessible; the existing toilet facilities were converted to be accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Each exhibition includes a free children's workshop (for children up to 12 years, Saturdays 14:00–16:00). There is also the children's art club "Druckknöpfe" (ages 8–12, annual fee CHF 50), an open printmaking studio for adults and children once a year (free), and courses in the autumn holiday program.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is on the side of Grenchen Süd station.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

According to tourism information, the foyer has a café and a museum shop; editions, art postcards and publications are available in the Kunsthaus shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 100 guests.

The foyer can be rented for an apéro for up to around 50 people or a reception for up to around 100 people, optionally with a tour or workshop. The rules of use and the fee schedule are on the website.

Plan your visit