Kirchner Museum Davos — Attraction in Davos

The Kirchner Museum in Davos offers a unique and intimate encounter with the work of Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, one of the most influential German expressionist artists. Located in the very landscape that inspired many of his paintings, the museum creates a profound dialogue between art, architecture, and nature.

The museum building itself, designed by architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer, is a masterpiece of modern architecture. Composed of four interconnected cubic structures with glass façades and minimalist interiors, the design allows for natural light to gently flood the galleries, creating a calm, meditative atmosphere. The neutral palette and clean lines draw full attention to the vibrant and dynamic works on display without any visual distractions.

The permanent collection includes over 1,400 of Kirchner’s works, from oil paintings and watercolors to drawings, prints, sculptures, and textiles. Many of these pieces reflect Kirchner’s time in Davos, where he lived and worked after leaving Germany. His Alpine landscapes, portraits, and vibrant depictions of rural life in the Swiss mountains offer a powerful contrast to his earlier urban scenes from Berlin and Dresden. The iconic “The Bridge near Wiesen” (1926), portraying the impressive Wiesen Viaduct just outside Davos, is one of the many highlights visitors can admire.

The museum's layout encourages visitors to explore Kirchner's artistic evolution across different phases of his life. Each gallery is carefully curated, with thematic arrangements that flow naturally from one space to another. The museum succeeds in offering both depth for art enthusiasts and accessibility for first-time visitors, without overwhelming the audience.

In addition to the permanent collection, the Kirchner Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that provide new perspectives on Kirchner’s work or present related artists from the Expressionist movement. Regular guided tours (available in German) are offered twice weekly, adding valuable context and insight into the artist's complex life and work. Educational programs, including art workshops for children and adults, interactive digital experiences, and even yoga classes in the galleries, make the museum experience dynamic and inclusive.

One of the museum’s greatest strengths is its ability to connect visitors not only to Kirchner’s art but also to the environment that deeply shaped him. After visiting the museum, one can easily explore the surrounding landscapes—such as the Stafelalp or Wiesen Viaduct—providing an even deeper appreciation for the source of Kirchner’s inspiration.

Accessibility is excellent, with barrier-free access for disabled visitors, clear signage, and multilingual information available in German, English, and French. However, visitors should be aware that the museum is closed on Mondays and there is no café or restaurant on-site, so planning accordingly is recommended.

In summary, the Kirchner Museum Davos offers an outstanding cultural experience where art, architecture, and nature converge in perfect harmony. Whether you are an art lover or a curious traveler, this museum is a must-visit gem in Davos that leaves a...

Музей немецкого экспрессиониста Эрнста Людвига Кирхнера содержит самую большую в мире коллекцию его работ, но мне музей не показался очень большим. В Интернете художника называют великим, его полотна с пейзажами Давоса - выдающимися, но я, если честно, раньше об этом живописце не слышала. Интересно было познакомиться с его творчеством. На меня гораздо большее впечатление произвело здание музея, оно выполнено в форме четырех «кубов», соединенных светлым фойе, а фасад покрывает особое стекло с уникальными свойствами отражения света. Это здание идеально вписывается в окружающий ландшафт. В одном из залов на стене размещена фотография людей, которые лежат на шезлонгах, установленных в павильоне-террасе. Мне вспомнилось давно прочитанное о том, что в прошлые века альпийский Давос был известен, как европейская здравница, где лечили чахотку. В то время врачи были уверены, что сухой горный воздух в сочетании с обилием солнечных дней помогает выздороветь. Поэтому пациентам предписывали как можно больше проводить времени на свежем воздухе. Собственно и Кирхнер приехал в Давос из-за болезни легких, а потом так и остался здесь жить. В музее не только повесили фото террасы с шезлонгами, но и поставили у огромного окна эти самые шезлонги. На них даже можно полежать. Что я и сделала с большим удовольствием. Это было очень здорово - удобно лежать и любоваться прекрасным пейзажем за окном. Чистая благодать и отдохновение. Для украинских беженцев вход в музей бесплатный....

I'm not a big fan of expressionism and Kirchner in particular but the collection in this museum is presented so tastefully that I have some second thought about this artist. The exhibit is mix of his paintings (most of them landscapes) and buildings plans and drawings (Kirchner was trained as an architect). They have a very good book for sale. There is a huge parking lot about 200 meters down the road behind the museum, not sure if it's free but I found no pay station of...