Kunsthaus Zürich
Museum Zurich art museum with significant modern art collection
On Zurich’s Rämistrasse, Kunsthaus Zürich holds one of Switzerland’s strongest art collections, from 18th-century paintings to modern works by Swiss and international artists-draws visitors for Giacometti pieces, temporary shows, and a compact, walkable collection.
Kunsthaus Zürich is one of Switzerland’s principal art museums, with substantial holdings of modern and contemporary art alongside older works. The collection includes important pieces by Swiss artists and international figures, and the site expanded with a major new wing in 2021.
- Collection range: The museum's collection spans medieval to contemporary art; allow time for both the historic holdings and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
What to See #
- 2021 extension: A major expansion completed in 2021 designed to add modern gallery space and improve visitor circulation between historic and contemporary displays.
- Swiss masters rooms: Dedicated rooms that hold significant works by Swiss artists such as Alberto Giacometti and Ferdinand Hodler, forming an important national collection.
How to Get to Kunsthaus Zürich #
Kunsthaus Zürich is about 1 km (roughly a 10-15 minute) walk east from Zürich Hauptbahnhof across Bahnhofstrasse to the Heimplatz/Seefeld area. If you prefer public transit, several city trams stop within a short walk of the museum; from the station it is an easy, signposted stroll.
By car from Zürich Airport the museum is roughly 15-20 km away (around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic) following the A51/A1 into the city; there is street parking and nearby public parking garages.
Tips for Visiting Kunsthaus Zürich #
- Visit early on a weekday, shortly after opening, to see galleries before weekend and school-group crowds arrive; the quieter morning makes it easier to linger at signature works.
- Enter via the museum's main entrance and follow the signage from there to the new extension first - many visitors skim the larger historical Swiss collection in the older building, so plan your route to cover both wings.
- Check the museum's website for current temporary exhibitions and plan to see those separately from the permanent collection; rotating shows can be in different rooms and are easy to miss if you stick to one floor.
Best Time to Visit Kunsthaus Zürich #
Visit the Kunsthaus in spring or autumn shoulder months to combine pleasant weather with smaller crowds and easier access to temporary exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Kunsthaus Zürich #
Kunsthaus Zürich's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1106 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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