The Kunsthaus Zurich is among the most prominent fine arts museums in the city and is renowned for their 19th and 20th-century collection. It includes pieces by Chagall, Mondrian, Munch and other masters. Those who favor Impressionist artists will be delighted to find two of Monet's best waterlily paintings here. Modern art is not forgotten, with works by Beuys, Baselitz and Bacon flying the flag. In the entrance you will find an elaborately-stocked art bookshop. Refresh yourself at the cafe-bar or restaurant.
Nestled along the fringes of Lake Zurich, the Zürich Opera House, known locally as Opernhaus Zürich, has a history dating as far back as 1834. Its stately facade, fashioned in white and grey sandstone, gives way to interiors which are just as regal, adorned with gorgeous carved paintings of maestros like Schiller, Mozart, Shakespeare, Goethe, and Weber. Touted as one of the world's smallest opera houses, this neo-classical edifice yet stands magnificent bearing a stunning repertoire of theater, ballet, premiers and the like. It has established itself as one of the pioneers in the rich and eclectic course of Swiss arts and culture. Currently housing the Bernhard-Theater Zürich and the Zürich Ballet, this award-winning opera house brings to mind the past glories of the iconic operatic and theatrical cultures of Switzerland.
The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum is a one of its kind museum and houses an extensive collection of timepieces. Horologists will marvel at the exhibition which showcases over 250 chronological instruments that date back from 1400 BC all the way to modern quartz clocks that are accurate upto a millionth of a second. The instruments are meticulously arranged according to chronology, so the collection begins from shadow sticks, sundials, oil clocks and tails off with navigational chronometers. There is a lot you can learn about man’s complex relationship with time here.
Arena Cinemas is known to be among the most famous movie theaters in the city. The theater has screens that feature optimal visibility from any spot within the theater, making your movie experience exciting. The theater also has a 4DX hall, with laser projectors, for an even more enthralling experience. Featuring comfortable seats, wide screens and just the right volume, the cinema makes for the perfect place for next movie session.
A bevy of cultural experiences are to be found in this old villa, on top of a little hill in a park. On different floors, Rietberg Museum shows art from India, Southeast Asia, China, Tibet, Japan, Africa, Oceania, America, and Switzerland. Displays contain objects like statues of Shiva and other gods and goddesses, wooden dolls, masks and other artifacts. The admission prices for temporary exhibits differ from the normal rates. Get caught up in the world of the past and pay a visit to this magical museum.
Established in the year 1961, North America Native Museum in Zurich offers a wonderful insight into different cultures. Originally set up with Gottfried Hotz' erstwhile private collection, the museum today focuses on conserving and exhibiting various ethnographic items of Inuit, First National and Native American cultures. The museum building's second level houses its permanent collection. North America Native Museum received a small exhibition space in 2013 which displays a few original art works by Karl Bodmer, a renowned illustrator and painter.
Specializing in the Old Masters, Koetser Gallery, located in District 1, is an integral part of Zurich's cultural landscape. If you have an interest in the works of the greatest Flemish, Dutch and Italian painters, this gallery is the perfect spot. The artist roster boasts names like Jan Brueghel the Elder, Balthasar van der Ast and Laurens Craen, among many other greats. The gallery participates in various fairs and exhibitions.
Those interested in Russian art, particularly avant-garde art, will be doing themselves a favor by checking out Galerie Gmurzynska Zurich, situated in District 1. The artist roster includes the likes of Kazimir Malevich, Mikhail Larionov, Olga Rozanova, Alexander Rodchenko and Konstantin Rozhdestvyenksy, among many others. Works by artists like Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol, who are associated with the Pop Art movement, are also displayed here.
The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum is a one of its kind museum and houses an extensive collection of timepieces. Horologists will marvel at the exhibition which showcases over 250 chronological instruments that date back from 1400 BC all the way to modern quartz clocks that are accurate upto a millionth of a second. The instruments are meticulously arranged according to chronology, so the collection begins from shadow sticks, sundials, oil clocks and tails off with navigational chronometers. There is a lot you can learn about man’s complex relationship with time here.
Established in the year 2003, Galerie Haas specializes in 20th and 21st Century art. Centrally located in Zurich, this gallery showcases pieces by artists around the world. Pioneers of Cubism, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, have their works on display here, as do post-war artists like Andy Warhol. The artist roster also includes the likes of Lovis Corinth, Otto Dix, Gustav Kluge and Leiko Ikemura.
For tourists in Zurich, one of the must-see places is certainly the Stadthaus Ausstellungen. Various documentary exhibitions are hosted regularly inside the gorgeous neo-gothic town house that was established in 1900. Visitors can stroll around the various galleries of the Stadhaus and spend quality time acquainting themselves with local history. Exhibitions here focus on sociopolitical issues and history related to Zurich and the surrounding region. It is a fantastic place to view and admire the architecture and learn more about the city and its culture. For history buffs, a visit to this townhouse and its various exhibitions would be an extremely fruitful and enriching experience.
The first floor of Zunfthaus zur Meisen houses the faience (glazed ceramic ware) and porcelain collection of the Swiss National Museum. The baroque interiors provide a good backdrop for an overview of the Swiss faience and porcelain workshops of the 18th century and the role Switzerland played in the tableware culture of that time. Products from the Zurich porcelain factory in Kilchberg-Schooren and some from Nyon VD are displayed in the center of the room. They are arranged chronologically (Zurich products from 1763 to 1790 and Nyon ones from 1781 to 1813) to give an insight into how they evolved as per the changing tastes of the time. Zurich's porcelain figures have a special place in the exhibition. They are grouped according to the theme they represent such as seasons, continents, wine, love, allegories, hunting, elements and exoticism. Private events can also be organized at the venue which can accommodate 200 people (standing only).