Just before the start of summer, Zurich’s forty or fifty or so galleries and museums are bursting with life. In conjunction with the “Zurich Art Weekend”, a particularly large number of new exhibitions open on both sides of the Limmat. Quietly operating foundations and exemplary private collections such as that of the Bechtler couple in Uster are more accessible than ever. Much can be done on foot. Even the galleries on Rämistrasse – Urs Meile is also there – are now reaching such a high number that one would like to start here. Tschudi makes the start with house number 5, where new, Prussian blue paintings by Not Vital can be seen full of magic. The tour continues to Mai 36 at number 37, one of the oldest galleries with close proximity to the Kunsthaus Zürich. Including Tobias Müller and Eva Presenhuber, both in Waldmannstrasse, Rämistrasse is now home to more than ten exhibition venues over a good 150 meters. And the trend is rising!
Sculpture and painting from David Renggli at Tobias Mueller Modern Art, 2024
The second focal point not to be missed is the famous Löwenbräuareal, which has long been exemplary in Switzerland, with the Kunsthalle, Luma Foundation, Migros Museum and two gallery spaces by Hauser & Wirth. In addition, there are “off spaces” such as the Lighthaus with Santiago Sierra or a flagship store for “Modern Masters” by Hauser & Wirth at Bahnhofstrasse 1, where works of museum quality, sculptures and paintings by Arp, Basquiat, Bourgeois, Calder or Vantongerloo are offered for sale as if this were a matter of course. Our clear verdict: Zurich’s galleries are the best in Switzerland!
As head of Art Consult, Dr Thomas Kellein looks after international collectors, analyses trends on the art market and advises on strategic issues.