Museum of Design
Museum Museum dedicated to design, applied arts, and graphics
Zurich’s Museum of Design (Museum für Gestaltung) focuses on graphic, industrial and applied arts; visitors see poster and typography collections, product‑design exhibits and rotating shows on contemporary practice.
The Museum of Design in Zürich (Museum für Gestaltung Zürich) is the Swiss museum dedicated to design, applied arts and visual communication. Its collections cover industrial design, product design, graphic arts and posters, and it presents rotating thematic exhibitions.
Exhibitions range from historic surveys of design practice to contemporary and applied projects; the museum also maintains reference collections used for research and education. The institution operates display spaces and collection storage suited to large-format and three-dimensional design objects.
In recent years the museum consolidated major exhibition and storage functions into the Toni-Areal site in Zürich-West, which provides expanded space for long-term installations and larger temporary shows. The museum works closely with academic design programmes and public outreach.
The Museum of Design is located in Zurich’s western district (Zürich-West) within the Toni-Areal complex, an industrial-heritage site repurposed for cultural and educational uses.
- Collections focus: The museum focuses on applied arts, industrial design and visual communication, with substantial holdings in graphic design and posters.
What to See #
- Toni-Areal location: The Toni-Areal building in Zürich-West, which houses large exhibition spaces and storage for applied arts and design collections and is shared with the Zurich University of the Arts.
How to Get to Museum of Design #
The Museum of Design (Museum für Gestaltung Zürich) is at the Toni‑Areal complex in Zurich. Take S‑bahn or regional trains to Zürich Hardbrücke or Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB) and then a short tram ride or a 10-15 minute walk to Toni‑Areal. The site is served by Zurich’s public transport network and there is nearby street/visitor parking if you arrive by car.
Tips for Visiting Museum of Design #
- Approach the museum within the Toni-Areal complex via Hardbrücke station or nearby tram stops - the building is easily reached by public transport and is more clearly accessed from the Pfingstweidstrasse side.
- Check the museum's website for current temporary exhibitions before you go; the Museum of Design focuses on rotating shows, so the collection on display can change substantially and is the main draw.
Best Time to Visit Museum of Design #
Visit in the shoulder seasons or winter for smaller crowds in the indoor Museum of Design.
Weather & Climate near Museum of Design #
Museum of Design'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 (1096 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (67 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 (83 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 (101 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 (128 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 (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (116 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 (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool 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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