Renovation project
Kunstmuseum Basel | Hauptbau
Inaugurated in 1936 and designed by Rudolf Christ and Paul Bonatz, the Hauptbau of the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most significant examples of this type of architecture from the first half of the 20th century. The building's outstanding architectural, historical, typological, and artistic significance is matched by its role as a treasure trove of a collection of unique importance.
With its three buildings—the Hauptbau, the Neubau, and the Gegenwart—the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most renowned art museums internationally. It houses the oldest public art collection in the world: in 1661, the city of Basel acquired the so-called Amerbach Cabinet and made it accessible to the public. The humanistic private collection of the Amerbach family included paintings by Hans Holbein the Younger, among others. Today, the collection comprises masterpieces by Holbein, Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, and Rosemarie Trockel. The museum also houses the Kupferstichkabinett ("Department of Prints and Drawings"), which, with its 300,000 works of art, is one of the world's most important collections of works on paper.
In order to preserve the value of the Hauptbau, the building exterior, interior, and technical infrastructure must be renovated in close consultation with the historic preservation authorities. At the same time as the overall renovation, the use of the ground floor is to be optimized.
Why is the renovation taking place?
The renovation project for the Hauptbau of the Kunstmuseum Basel involves increasing energy efficiency, renovating the exterior of the building, optimizing operations and the visitor experience, and adapting the building to current legal requirements, standards, and guidelines, particularly in the area of safety (protection of cultural assets, fire protection, earthquakes).
Where will the renovation take place?
The whole Hauptbau will be affected by the optimization and renovation measures. This includes the shop, the lecture hall, the art education studios, the bistro, the Kupferstichkabinett (“Department of Prints and Drawings”) including the study room, the ticket office and reception area including the gallery rooms, as well as various storage rooms and workshops.
When will the renovation begin?
The realization, which is expected to take four years, will begin in 2029 at the earliest. This is subject to the duration of the political process and regulatory approvals.
Will the Haupbau be completely closed during the renovation phase?
The Haupbau of the Kunstmuseum will be closed for the duration of the renovation. This is in part to better ensure the safety of the artworks. In addition, experience in other cities has shown that partial closures are difficult to communicate to the public and detract from the visitor experience.
What will happen to the art and the staff when the Hauptbau is closed?
With the Neubau and the Gegenwart building, the Kunstmuseum Basel will continue to have exhibition space available even when the Hauptbau is closed. This means that major exhibitions will continue to be held in the Neubau during the renovation of the Hauptbau. The exhibition space for the collection presentation will be significantly reduced due to the closure of the Hauptbau. The Kunstmuseum's curatorial team is therefore currently working on preparing a concentrated collection tour. Highlights from the permanent collection will be presented in surprising new ways in the Neubau and Gegenwart building. Various other options for keeping the collection physically and digitally accessible are also being explored.
Temporary facilities will be provided in St. Alban-Vorstadt and in the harbor for the departments and employees who have their offices in the Hauptbau. These include the restoration department, the studios and offices of art education, the provenance research department, and the Kupferstichkabinett ("Department of Prints and Drawings").
What is the current status of the project?
The construction project is currently being developed, including a detailed cost estimate and schedule. Once the construction project is ready, the government will submit a proposal to the Grand Council for the construction loan and the expenses for the special use phase, archaeology, and relocations, and will present the project to the public.
Further information on the construction project: Renovation of the Kunstmuseum Basel | Hauptbau on the website of the Department of Construction and Transportation of Basel-Stadt (German only)
