Fine Arts Museum Basel — Attraction in Basel

The Kunstmuseum Basel, also known as the Fine Arts Museum Basel, is a renowned institution that houses an extensive collection of artworks, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. The museum, which has been a cornerstone of Basel's cultural scene since its establishment in 1661, is recognized as the oldest public community art collection in the world.

The museum's collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on 19th and 20th-century works. Its holdings are divided into two main sections: the main building contains the older artworks while the new building, designed by Christ & Gantenbein and opened in 2016, houses works from the 20th century onwards.

The older section's collection is impressive, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists such as Konrad Witz, Hans Holbein, and Rembrandt. The museum's assortment of Holbein's works is particularly noteworthy, as it is the largest collection of his works worldwide.

The newer section, on the other hand, houses an array of modern and contemporary art. This section features works from artists like Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Jackson Pollock, providing a comprehensive overview of various art movements such as Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art.

Moreover, the museum is also known for its temporary exhibitions, which are meticulously curated and often focus on themes or specific artists. These exhibitions offer visitors a chance to delve deeper into various aspects of art history and contemporary practices.

The museum's architectural design is another point of interest. The contrast between the old and new buildings—traditional and modern architecture—mirrors the museum's collection itself, which spans centuries of artistic expression.

In terms of visitor experience, the museum is well-organized, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful. There are also a variety of educational programs and resources available, making the museum accessible to a wide range of audiences.

In conclusion, the Kunstmuseum Basel is a gem in the Swiss cultural landscape, offering a rich and diverse collection of art. Whether you're an art history buff or just someone who appreciates beautiful things, a visit to the Kunstmuseum Basel is...

This museum is truly the treasure of Switzerland, imagine MoMA & The Met combined in one address. As an active art lover and collector, I have not spent too much time in this museum before unfortunately, as I had only been there for events during Art Basel week. Finally I had the chance to come back to Basel and dedicate some time for a thorough visit and viewing last week, and it was for nearly 6 hours, and every moment was well spent.

The museums have two buildings connected by an underground tunnel, with vast permanent collections from Renaissance & Early Modern (15th-16th c.) with strong holdings from the Upper Rhine: Hans Holbein the Younger, the Amerbach Cabinet origins; 17th-18th Centuries, Flemish and Dutch masters (like Rubens, Rembrandt); 19th Century of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism. Simply impressive collections from Monet, Cézanne, Manet, Van Gogh. Swiss artists too, such as Ferdinand Hodler.

Then the 20th Century including major movement coverage: Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Constructivism with Important works from artists: Paul Klee, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Marc Chagall, Piet Mondrian etc. The collections from this era at this museum impressed me the most this time!

The Post Modern / contemporary collections are also worthy investigating, from Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Miriam Cahn, Dan Flavin, Kara Walker, Bruce Nauman, Calder and more.

There are plenty of rooms to wonder with comfortable sofas in and out the exhibition halls, so you could really take time to experience the art, and it is never too crowded with too many phone cameras or noises around. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, very refreshing especially compared with other major museums around the world. Highly recommend it for art enthusiasts, families and it is a must visit...

Horrible attitude of the two female employees in the reception space inside the building. The lady in the main information desk inside the building behaves and talks like she is being forced by an invisible demon to talk to people and do her job. She does not realise that sarcasm is for intelligent people and does not suit her. I wonder who trained her on this sinister sense of sarcasm, and I wonder who taught her that negative sarcasm should be a part of her customer service. What a strange behaviour !

"maybe next time keep the dog at home " she said in a sarcastic and demeaning tone. how about next time I bring all my dogs and make them teach you some basic manners ? The audacity of talking to some like that !

What was going to be a quick visit to buy a couple of books from non-exhibition space turned into a shock !

What a disgraceful way to treat visitors ! Why the attitude and the horrible body language and appalling tone.

Absolutely ridiculous and poorly managed! There is not a single sign stating that dogs are not allowed, yet staff suddenly enforce this absurd rule without warning. It’s one thing to restrict dogs in exhibition areas, but banning them from the external space near the information desk is beyond unreasonable. The lack of clear signage and the arbitrary enforcement make this place feel unwelcoming and unorganized. A frustrating and disappointing experience—would not recommend it to anyone who expects basic common sense and courtesy.

Did the museum run of budget to print stickers and place them on visible spaces for dog owners, including for people with assistance dogs ?

One would expect some creativity and openmindness from a museum. Let alone some organisation and manners.

I invite the museum to teach its employees basic communication skills and a...