Location: Switzerland Basel-Stadt Riehen
Art museum by Renzo Piano in the Berower Park in Riehen near Basel – with around 400 works of classical modernism and contemporary art from the Beyeler collection.
Interesting facts
- The collection comprises around 400 works.
- 389,188 people visited the museum in 2024.
- In 1998 Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the trees in the museum park.
- Peter Zumthor's extension costs 120 million Swiss francs.
Why visit
- Renzo Piano's architecture in a green setting
- Modern masterpieces in a private collection
- Major changing special exhibitions
The Fondation Beyeler in Riehen near Basel shows the art collection that Hildy and Ernst Beyeler assembled over some 50 years. The couple set up the foundation in 1982; today the collection comprises around 400 works of classical modernism and contemporary art. The Rothko Rooms with works by Mark Rothko are a highlight.
The museum was designed by the architect Renzo Piano, who received the commission in 1994. It opened on 18 October 1997 in the park of the Berower estate. The 127-metre building is shielded from the road by a wall clad in porphyry. In 1999 the large northern hall was extended; today the museum has around 3,800 square metres of exhibition space, about a third of it for special exhibitions.
In 2024 it welcomed 389,188 visitors. An extension designed by Peter Zumthor, adding around 1,500 square metres of exhibition space, has been opening in stages since September 2026. The “24 Stops” sculpture path links the museum with the Vitra Campus.
History
Foundation set up in 1982 by Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, commission to Renzo Piano in 1994, museum opened on 18 October 1997, northern hall extended in 1999, extension announced in 2015, Peter Zumthor's design chosen in 2016, staged opening from 26 September 2026 (full opening planned for 14 January 2027).
Special features
Museum building by Renzo Piano (127 m long) in the Berower Park, around 3,800 m² of exhibition space, a collection of around 400 works of classical modernism and contemporary art, Rothko Rooms, extension by Peter Zumthor.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Visitors interested in art and architecture, city travellers in the Basel region.
- Getting there
- In Riehen near Basel, in the park of the Berower estate. Please check opening hours, admission and current exhibitions with the Fondation Beyeler.
Details may change. Please check current information with the operator before your visit.
Map
Opens an external route planner. Please check access and opening times before you set off.
Sources
Image: MayaSchmieder · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
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