Beyeler Foundation

Riehen, Switzerland

The Beyeler Foundation owns and oversees the art collection of Hildy (1922-2008) and Ernst (1921-2010) Beyeler. In 1982 they commissioned Renzo Piano to design a museum to house their private collection. By building Renzo Piano's museum structure in 1997, the Beyeler Foundation made its collection permanently accessible to the public.

The Beyeler Foundation presents 140 works of modern classics, including 23 Picassos. The overall collection of 200 works of classic modernism highlight features typical of the period from Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh to Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Francis Bacon. The paintings appear alongside some 25 objects of tribal art from Africa, Oceania and Alaska. A third of the exhibition space is reserved for special exhibitions staged to complement the permanent collection.

The culmination of Beyeler's career came in 2007 when all the works that passed through his hands were reunited at the museum for a grand exhibition that included van Gogh's 1889 Portrait of Postman Roulin, Lichtenstein's Plus and Minus III and a huge expressive drip painting by Jackson Pollock. The collection is expanding, particularly in terms of works made after 1950 (recent acquisitions include pieces by Louise Bourgeois and Wolfgang Tillmans).

Situated adjacent to the museum building, the late-Baroque Villa Berower houses the museum's administration department and a restaurant.

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Founded: 1997
Category: Museums in Switzerland

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

William Cheng (8 months ago)
Fantastic museum for modern/contemporary art. We caught the Mondrian exhibit, which was really eye-opening, showing his progression in style. The room with a giant Monet juxtaposed with a Gerhard Richter piece is another highlight. The architecture and design of the building itself is also very cool, and there are some pleasant outdoor spaces associated with it as well. The museum is very easy to get to via bus.
Uliana Dolyniak (9 months ago)
One of the most beautiful museums I have ever seen. Amazing exhibitions, great collection, unbelievable garden outside the museum. Definitely worth to come, must see ❤️
Leo McDonagh (14 months ago)
A very pleasant museum, clean with friendly staff. The art is very interesting and there are some explanations in English, German and French for some of the art. The Georgia O'Keeffe exhibition was very well presented. There are also some surprisingly cheap gifts in the shop and a beautiful park outside!
Sean Fabolous (17 months ago)
the place to visite during his stay in Basel, or for the locals to come for each new exhibition. It is almost no longer to present this great foundation . We always have the chance to see great works in a so special environment, thanks to the architect Renzo Piano. The park is pleasant just to walk around without paying an entrance fee or eating at the restaurant present. In the summer the park is also brought to life with various events. In the foundation you will also find a store with a nice selection of decorative and non-decorative objects, as well as beautiful books. I can only recommend this place for all art and architecture fans.
Tatiana Yakovleva (17 months ago)
I'm a huge fan of the Museum. The collection is great, with modern art and a Garden with statues and installations that are always impressive. They have a nice cafe too, but the best part is that it has temporary exhibitions that range from stunning to jaw-dropping!
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