Zurich Art & Design Map
Many travelers stop by Zurich as a transit hub, but take a slower look and the city will reveal its rich culture of arts layered beneath the surface. Set aside the familiar image as a financial hub and Zurich will reveal a different face — one imbued with art and design.
- SuhYoung Yun is the author of Switzerland: A Cultural Travel Guide, a book she wrote after serving as the Culture and Public Affairs Officer at the Swiss Embassy in Seoul. She currently contributes to the London-based design magazine Wallpaper from Seoul.
Pavillon Le Corbusier
⚑ Höschgasse 8, 8008 Zurich
Designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, this pavilion was the last building he ever designed. The museum was commissioned by Le Corbusier’s patron and art collector Heidi Weber, who wanted a space that would showcase his work in the best possible way. Two years after his death, the pavilion opened in 1967 and has been showcasing his work ever since. Beyond the striking architecture, the surrounding park offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of relaxation.
- TIP The museum is open seasonally from April to November.
Zurich Design Museum
⚑ Main building: Ausstellungsstrasse 60, 8005 Zurich
⚑ Toni-Areal: Pfingstweidstrasse 96, 8005 Zurich
Founded in 1875, Zurich Design Museum (Museum für Gestaltung Zurich) houses a collection of over 580,000 design objects, making it an internationally renowned exhibition space. Covering applied arts in all its forms — industrial design, posters, architecture, photography and advertising — the museum presents more accessible, broad-appeal exhibitions in its main building, while its branch at Toni-Areal showcases experimental displays. Located on the Zurich University of the Arts campus, the Toni-Areal branch also features a publicly accessible museum archive in its basement, offering a diverse array of works spanning multiple disciplines.
- TIP It is also worth visiting Haus Konstruktiv, which sits between the main building and the Toni-Areal.
Kunsthaus Zurich
⚑ Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zurich
The Kunsthaus Zurich needs no introduction — it’s the city’s premier art museum. If you only have time for one museum in Zurich, this is the place to go. Home to Switzerland’s most extensive art collection, it spans works from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces, featuring both Swiss and international artists. The museum is especially known for its holdings of renowned Swiss painters like Ferdinand Hodler, along with an impressive selection of Impressionist and Modernist works.
- TIP Its 2021 extension, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, adds a sleek contemporary touch to the historic institution.
Kronenhalle Bar
⚑ Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zurich
A bar that feels more like an art gallery, Kronenhalle houses an impressive collection featuring works by Miró, Chagall, Picasso and more. The space was designed 60 years ago by architect Robert Haussman and furnished with lights and tables by Swiss sculptor and designer Diego Giacometti — all preserved in their original state.
- TIP Few people know, but you can also enjoy lunch here.
The Monocle Shop & Café Zurich
⚑ Dufourstrasse 90, 8008 Zurich
This is the Zurich outpost of the shop and café run by Monocle, the renowned London-based lifestyle magazine. Visitors can browse and purchase a variety of Monocle goods and enjoy a simple breakfast at the café.
- TIP Keep an eye out for local markets held here from time to time.
Freitag Tower & Factory
⚑ Tower: Geroldstrasse 21, 8005 Zurich,
⚑ Factory: Binzmühlestrasse 170b/Eingang B, 8050 Zurich
Freitag, the Zurich-born brand known for upcycling truck tarps into bags and wallets, attracts visitors from around the world. Its flagship store, a tower built from a stack of 19 reused shipping containers, highlight’s the brand’s unique approach. For a behind-the-scenes look at how the bags are made, head to the Freitag factory just outside the city center. Factory tours for individuals are open to everyone and take place at 1:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. No reservation is needed.
- TIP Don’t confuse the factory location with the Freitag Tower as they are in separate locations.
Giacometti-Halle (Blüemlihalle)
⚑ Bahnhofquai 3, 8001 Zurich
This hall houses frescoes by Augusto Giacometti and is located in the lobby of the Urania Police Station. Also called Blüemlihalle, or “Hall of Little Flowers,” it’s known as one of the most beautiful police station entrances in the world. The building was once an orphanage. During reconstruction, Zurich architect Gustav Gull converted a former cellar on the site into the striking entrance, brightening up the gloomy space with the frescoes.
- TIP Open Wednesday to Friday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can only tour the hall with a guide.
The Dolder Grand
⚑ Kurhausstrasse 65, 8032 Zurich
This hotel boasts an impressive art collection rivaling many galleries, featuring works by Salvador Dalí, Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. Guests can access a map via a QR code at the lobby concierge and embark on a self-guided art tour, hunting for pieces like a game of hide-and-seek. Each artwork is accompanied by its own QR code for detailed information. The hotel’s elegant and historic lounge and bar offer a perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea after the tour.
- TIP The hotel is located a bit outside the city center, so allow extra time to visit.
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Korean Air operates direct flights between Incheon and Zurich 3 times a week.
(The service will resume from April following a suspension during the winter season.)
