
Visiting Zurich for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Tackle Zurich like a pro with our first timer–friendly recommendations.
The goal of Kunsthaus Zurich is to foster “living encounters” with art: curators present work that are not just old and beautiful but will also help visitors think about social issues of the past and present. The galleries display work by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Rodin and also boast a collection of work by Swiss artists. Book a private tour of the museum to learn more about the art.
Visitors must purchase separate entrance tickets for the permanent collection and temporary exhibits, though combination tickets are available for some exhibitions.
Zurich Card holders get free admission to the gallery (along with admission to other sites and free use of the city’s public transportation system).
Kids under 16 enter for free, and students get a discount.
To reach the museum on the city’s trams, take number 3, 5, 9, or 31, and get off at the Kunsthaus. There is also parking available near the museum.
Like many art galleries and museums in Europe, Kunsthaus Zurich is closed on Mondays. Tuesday–Sunday, the museum opens in the late morning and closes in the evening; exact hours vary throughout the week.
To learn more about the country’s history, visit the National Museum Zurich, a branch of the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Landesmuseum). The collection, housed in an impressive castle-like building , includes a variety of exhibitions that trace the country’s development, examine the area’s archeological wonders, and explore the history of the city of Zurich. One family-friendly exhibit even takes visitors on a “magic carpet ride” through history.