The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art in Zurich, Switzerland, is a must-see museum for art lovers. It is located in the lovingly restored, former brewery that is now the Löwenbräu-Areal complex and is easy to reach from the center of Zurich.
The museum has a wide range of contemporary art exhibits including a fun mix of both established and rising artists. Their vast permanent collection, as well as innovative temporary exhibitions, and engaging educational programs, are well worth checking out while you are in town.
So, if you are looking for something to do in Zurich this week, maybe the Migros Museum is just the ticket!
Table of Contents
General Information
Below is all of the relevant information you need to visit the museum.
Just be aware that the entrance to the building can seem a little confusing at first as there are so many other things in the Löwenbräu-Areal complex.
Just head to the last set of stairs as you head away from Zurich HB (closest to Escher-Wyss-Platz) and walk straight in the glass door. There is no big sign advertising it as an art museum as such, so don’t be confused.
| Opening Hours | Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday: Closed |
| Admission Fees | Adults: CHF 14 Students, Seniors, Disabled: CHF 12 Children (up to 16 years): Free |
| Free Entry | Zurich Card Swiss Travel Pass Every Thursday from 5–8pm |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible, disabled parking in inner courtyard |
| Address | Limmatstrasse 270, 8005 Zürich (Google Maps) |
| Public Transport | Trams 4, 6, 8, 13 or 17 to Escher-Wyss-Platz or Löwenbräu Buses 32, 33, 46, 72, 83 to Escher-Wyss-Platz Walkable from Hardbrücke train station (12 mins) |
The Permanent Collection
The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art has an impressive permanent collection that is primarily focused on contemporary art from the 1960s onwards. Together they have over 1,000 works in their catalog including pieces by renowned artists such as Olafur Eliasson, Tacita Dean, and Sarah Morris, among others.
Of course, the museum is not just focused on well-established artists, they also love to support the up-and-coming ones as well
Temporary Exhibitions
Luckily the Migros Museum also hosts a whole range of temporary exhibitions from all over the world as well.
While I was visiting they had an amazing temporary exhibition called the Acts of Friendship. This exhibition was displayed over a number of rooms and included a large piece with an old caravan as well as a sound piece in a room with comfy beanbags.
Upstairs was a huge 9-panel video installation by Ragnar Kjartansson called “The Visitors“. It included walls of video that came together as one piece and told singular stories at the same time. Apparently all from inside a historical villa on the Hudson River in New York State.
Past exhibitions have showcased artists such as Adrian Piper, Pamela Rosenkranz, and Simon Starling.
Educational Programs and Public Events
The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art encourages direct conversation between the public and art. This has led to the museum offering several educational programs and events for all ages.
The museum also hosts regular talks with artists, panel discussions, and film screenings to examine contemporary art from all different angles.
Support and Membership
The Migros Museum of Contemporary Art receives significant support from the Migros Group, Switzerland’s largest retail company. This generous support means that the museum is able to fulfill its mission of promoting contemporary art and fostering dialogue between artists and the public. Additional funding comes from other sponsors, private donors, and memberships.
If you wish to become a member of the Migros Museum you get various benefits, including
- unlimited free admission
- invitations to exclusive events
- discounts on workshops and other programs.
Membership levels vary from individual to family and be aware that there are also volunteering and internship opportunities for those wishing to dive in a little deeper.
