Museum Tinguely Museum

Address: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland

Website: https://www.tinguely.ch/

Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00am-5:00pm; Wed open until 8:00pm; Mon closed

Admission: Adult CHF 13-17 (varies by season/exhibitions), reduced rates available

Museum Tinguely is a Basel museum dedicated to the work of Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, emphasizing his kinetic and mechanical sculptures. The building was designed by architect Mario Botta and opened in 1996.

Large, often moving sculptures and mechanical installations occupy the museum’s galleries, many of which are shown in working condition or in performance events. The displays are supplemented by drawings, models and documentation that explain the machines’ concepts and construction.

Created by the Museum Tinguely Foundation to collect, preserve and present the artist’s work, the museum consolidated Tinguely’s large-scale machines and related material in a purpose-built structure on the riverside. It continues to host temporary exhibitions and events related to kinetic art.

Sited on the banks of the Rhine in Basel near the city theatre and other cultural institutions, the museum is easily reached on foot from central Basel and offers riverside views from its terraces.

• Architecture and opening year: Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta and opened in 1996 to present the work of Jean Tinguely in a dedicated setting.
• Collection focus: The museum focuses on kinetic sculpture and mechanical art, with many pieces designed to move or operate during display.

What to See#

• Permanent collection halls: Permanent galleries devoted to Jean Tinguely’s mechanical and kinetic sculptures, showing working machines and models of large-scale works.
• Riverside terraces and outdoor spaces: Riverside terraces and outdoor spaces that provide views along the Rhine and occasional site-specific kinetic installations.

Museum Tinguely is on the Rhine’s Wettstein quarter. From Basel SBB railway station it’s about a 15-20 minute walk; trams 8 and 14 stop near the Kunstmuseum/Tinguely area-walk south along the river to reach Paul Sacher‑Anlage. Riverfront cycling paths make for a pleasant approach on a sunny day.

• Stand beneath the kinetic sculptures and listen-the clanking is part of the exhibit's choreography; don't expect silence.
• Visit on a weekday morning to avoid family visit peaks; the museum is popular with school groups.
• Buy tickets online during major temporary exhibitions-lines can form quickly on sunny Basel days.