Open since October 3, 1996, the Tinguely Museum has showcased the greatest works of Jean Tinguely (1925–1991.) It’s the world’s largest collection of his art and features groups of work belonging to all phases of his career. Visitors will get a comprehensive view of the Swiss artist famous for his moving mechanical sculptures. The work of many of his contemporaries is also on display through permanent collections and temporary loans.
In addition to sculptures and interactive exhibits that explore Tinguely’s influencers, the museum houses documents, exhibition posters, drawings and letter drawings, catalogs, photographs, and documents. The museum was made possible by donations made by Tinguely’s widow, Niki de Saint Phalle, works from the Roche collection, and various gifts and acquisitions.
Designed by Ticinese architect Mario Botta, the building itself is a work of art and definitely worth taking in before you enter.
There is also somewhere to eat on-site at Chez Jeannot, which was renovated and reopened in December 2019. There is also the Roth Bar, which was created by Swiss conceptual artist Dieter Roth. He designed it from recycled objects in keeping with Jean Tinguely’s signature style.
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Location
The Tinguely Museum is in the Swiss city of Basel right by the Rhine in Solitudepark.
| Address | Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, Basel, Switzerland (Google Maps) |
| Opening Times | Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 am to 6 pm (Open until 9pm Thursday) Closed on Mondays & public holidays |
| Ticket Prices | Adults: 18 CHF, Students, people with disabilities: 12 CHF, Children under 16: Free Groups (more than 12 persons): 12 CHF |
| Discounts | 50% off with BaselCard & Baselland-Card, Roche employees Free Entrance: Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss museum pass, Museums-Pass-Musées, Raiffeisen MemberPlus |
| Public Transport | Take Tram 1 or 2 to Wettsteinplatz then bus 38 to Tinguely Museum It is also possible to walk 40 minutes from Basel main station |
| Parking | Limited parking at the Tinguely Musem. Lots of parking at nearby Parkhaus Badischer Bahnhof. |
Highlights of the Tinguely Museum
The Tinguely Museum’s permanent exhibition focuses on four decades of Jean Tinguely’s oeuvre. Special exhibitions feature the work of his significant influencers including Kurt Schwitters and Marcel Duchamp.
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The museum also houses artwork by companion artists such as French-American painter, sculptor, and filmmaker Niki de Saint Phalle (also his wife) who donated 55 sculptures to the museum. Also featured are works by French-born American artist Arman, Swiss sculptor Bernhard Luginbühl, and French sculptor Yves Klein.
The museum is quite unique because of the kinetic sculptures. They can be set into motion by pushing a button next to each one. It’s delightful to watch them twirl, shake, move, and make noise. Something everyone in Switzerland knows Tinguely for! Also worth noting are the random materials they were created from.
In keeping with his artistic style, the grounds of the architecturally-designed museum features a kinetic fountain entitled Schwimmwasserplastik Fontaine designed by Tinguely himself in 1980. Propelled by black-painted wheels, the fountain squirts water in every direction with five nozzles moving on the ends of the hoses. The water jets draw snakey lines and circles high up into the air like a firework of water.
Is the Tinguely Museum Worth it?
The Tinguely Museum is definitely worth seeing because not only is it a major attraction in a stunning location but it features many unique sculptures you won’t see anywhere else.
Tinguely grew up in Basel and studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule. The town pays homage to Tinguely with a massive collection of his work and that of his influencers and contemporaries. The entry fee is well worth it for anyone who has an interest in modern art.
Credit to Wikimedia for the header photo.
