Kunstmuseum Basel
Kunstmuseum Basel
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to one of the largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe with works from the early fifteenth century to the present.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Kunstmuseum Basel and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Vorstädte
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,067 within 5 kms
Attractions
259 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- RobicsekBudapest, Hungary579 contributionsA not ot be missed temporary exhibitionThere is a breathtaking temporary exhibition (Matisse, Derain and Friends - The Paris Avantgarde 1904–1908) until January 2024 – not to be missed. In fact, that was the only reason for our traveling there from Paris (3 hours by TGV), and it was well worth the trip. A rich collection of some Neo-impressionist but mainly Fauve paintings, including the iconic Luxe, Calm and Volupté by Henri Matisse, his attempt at divisionism which has turned out to be maybe the first Fauve painting. (Art historians still cannot decide where to place this painting, produced in the company of Paul Signac and Henri Edmond Cross).Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 September 2023
- kzoggerChicago, Illinois924 contributionsLove the Art in the Hauptbau BuildingMy husband and I thoroughly enjoyed Level 1 of the Hauptbau building, with the 18th - 19th century collection (rooms 13-31 were our favorites). Pisarro, Monet, Renoir, Chagall...beautiful paintings. Rodin statues and Picasso paintings were also amazing. Definitely worth a visit. We were not fans of the Dan Flavin special exhibition (or really anything) in the Neubau building.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2024
- RLH1955Denver, Colorado325 contributionsLoved for a reason...What a nice place, with many fine works, especially 2nd floor, and not much obligatory filler like some larger places. I LOVED the skylights and light wood floors to display the works in a more natural setting. Chagall's, Picasso's, all 1900's with the older stuff on the darker 1st floor. Many other places could learn from this place. Hit the courtyard for the Rodin sculpture first thing on the way in (you can but tickets inside, not just outside). It sets up your head for what is ahead :). Also in the KBYO (know before you go) category: The place has two buildings and connection is quirky, they do not allow umbrellas, the monitoring staff is great, and if you have a hotel QR you get half off (no, do not pitch or leave in the room). An easy walk from old town with many OK places to lunch.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 May 2024
- jpvinBexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom553 contributionsSuperb museumWent on a Wednesday evening, for free. Gorgeous buildings (main and new museums, joined by a subterranean walkway) and an engaging selection of old and modern art, intelligently and spaciously arranged. Not too much on display, so no great stress about getting through it all! Interesting shop.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,273 reviews
Excellent
845
Very good
331
Average
76
Poor
10
Terrible
12
CalBristol
Weston super Mare, UK2,155 contributions
Dec 2019
I was told that Basel had the best collection of art in Switzerland and they weren't wrong! The main building contains the collections from the Medieval period up to the 20th Century and contains examples of work from all the well known artists. The New Building (reached by a tunnel) shows works after 1950 and special exhibitions. There is a nice Bistro on the ground floor. Allow plenty of time as there is lots to see!
Remember to show your Basel Card to get a 50% discount on the admission charge!
Remember to show your Basel Card to get a 50% discount on the admission charge!
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nobleorsavage
Main Beach, Australia8 contributions
Mar 2020
We went during the free, after 5pm deal.
I was gobsmacked by the art on display here. As someone who likes, but doesn't know a lot about art, this place is ideal. It is large enough to have coverage of great art, particularly my modern favourites such as Magritte, Dali, Miro, Mondrian, but small enough to see without feeling like you need to walk for miles such as in the Louvre.
Just wonderful.
I was gobsmacked by the art on display here. As someone who likes, but doesn't know a lot about art, this place is ideal. It is large enough to have coverage of great art, particularly my modern favourites such as Magritte, Dali, Miro, Mondrian, but small enough to see without feeling like you need to walk for miles such as in the Louvre.
Just wonderful.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We are very happy that you could benefit from our free entry into the collection and enjoy it at its fullest.
Kind regards.
Written 1 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DJM1945
Montrose, UK1,855 contributions
Jan 2020
This is worth visiting if you are interested in art as it has something for everyone. I spent very little time on the religious paintings and concentrated on the artistI like. Some very modern contemporary pieces of art which were best to be described as interesting.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Errol
London, UK9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Was in Basel for a day and had some time to spend. Visited the museum, entry was free on the first Sunday of the month so was easy decision.
So good. It is massive and so you are not going to see all. A wide range of art from the masters to contemporary.
Time very well spent if you like art. The building it self is cavernous (reminded me of the Lisbon gallery). The building a work of art in itself - look at the external doors/windows.
So good. It is massive and so you are not going to see all. A wide range of art from the masters to contemporary.
Time very well spent if you like art. The building it self is cavernous (reminded me of the Lisbon gallery). The building a work of art in itself - look at the external doors/windows.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie H
Southampton, UK23 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We found this museum quite expensive to enter, with the ticket price for the ‘collection’ not covering all expositions. It was quite difficult in trying to navigate which tickets were needed to view certain parts of the collection. When accidentally entering a collection that was not covered by our ticket, the man on the door was very pleasant about this and had explained that the collection was an additional charge. Due to the expense we had already incurred to view the rest of the collection, we had decided not to spend any more money to view the last collection and to go to another museum.
Drinks are also not permitted in the museum, whilst understandable, the museum is very hot and leaves you feeling very dehydrated having to keep walking to the locker room to get a drink.
If the ticket price was more reasonable and included all exhibits, a higher rating would be given.
Drinks are also not permitted in the museum, whilst understandable, the museum is very hot and leaves you feeling very dehydrated having to keep walking to the locker room to get a drink.
If the ticket price was more reasonable and included all exhibits, a higher rating would be given.
Written 3 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
schmidtmg
Switzerland1,087 contributions
Feb 2022
The Fine Art Museum of Basel boasts a large collection of medieval art, 20th century art, old prints (Brueghel the Elder in particular) and temporary exhibitions (Louise Bourgeois at the time of our visit). The collection of 20th century art paintings on the upper floor is particularly worth visiting. An interesting feature is that entrance is free for the last hour before closure of the museum, i.e. from 5 to 6 p.m..
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StevenKolsteren
Groningen, The Netherlands189 contributions
Jul 2021
The large museum has an excellent collection which is presented very well. Many famous artists from art history and many famous Swiss painters! Check out Füssli next to Hodler and Böcklin. The Neubau has 20th century art, exhibitions and another building houses contemporary art. You can spend a day here for around CHF 14.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Len L
Westlake, OH217 contributions
Sept 2022
The museum is not spoken of very often among art lovers in our area, so we chose to visit here during a recent short stay in town.
A three-hour walk through the permanent collection halls provided a most interesting and satisfying look at the work of mostly central European "masters" from the 14th-20th centuries.
Painters whose works are seldom seen in the U.S.A. are honored here along with some of the most notable in history.
A highly recommended stop.
A three-hour walk through the permanent collection halls provided a most interesting and satisfying look at the work of mostly central European "masters" from the 14th-20th centuries.
Painters whose works are seldom seen in the U.S.A. are honored here along with some of the most notable in history.
A highly recommended stop.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,091 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The Kuntsmuseum Basel houses the oldest public art collection in the world and is generally considered to be one of the most important museums of art in Switzerland, and we knew we didn'twant to miss it. We had already spent a long day exploring the lovely city of Basel. It was late in the afternoon when we visited the Kuntsmuseum, and we were a little tired. We were thrilled to find a brochure of the 'Highlights Tour'. The museum was easy to navigate, and we found so many treasures! We had previously seen Rodin's 'The Burghers of Calais' in Calais, France. I had no idea that there were 12 original castings - impressive! We were able to find and appreciate works of art by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Manat, Pissarro, Chagall, Gauguin, Cezanne, and the largest collection of works by the Holbein family. The Kuntsmuseum Basel is an impressive collection of art. We hope to return to spend more time appreciating it!
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara F
Rorschach, Switzerland132 contributions
Apr 2022
The exhibition Louise de Bourgeois x Jenny Holzer ist not easy to understand, especially because the exhibits are not explained and you really have to interpret yourself what the meaning could be. I was glad to have taken a guided tour. The tour guide was fantastic. With the necessary humor and always including the audience. The system with the headsets allows you to walk around and listening to her comments.
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, i'm visiting in November and i'm wondering if the student discount applies to foreign students. Thank you
Written 14 September 2024
Nadia Rosa🌹
Povoa de Santa Iria, Portugal
quanto tempo demora uma visita completa? a visita é guiada ou livre? tem wi-fi no interior?
how much time does it takes to visit the hole museum? is the visit guided or free? do thhey have wi-fi inside?
quelle é la durèe des visites completes au museum? las visites sont-elles guidèes ou libres? y a-t-il connexion wi-fi à l'interior?
Written 23 August 2019
Can you see caravaggio during August 2019?
Written 7 June 2019
No, unfortunately we do not have any Caravaggios in our collection! All best, Karen (Kunstmuseum Basel)
Written 24 July 2019
Does anyone know what bus or tram line goes from the Basel airport to the museum? And how much is the bus/tram ticket?
Written 27 March 2019
Catch the #50 bus (Bahnhof SBB) at the airport. Ride 7 stops (about 15 minutes) and get off at the Basel SBB. There you will catch the #2 tram (Basel, Eglisee) and get off on the 3rd stop (Platform F, Kunstmuseum). The walk from there to the Museum is less than 1 minute.
Written 27 March 2019
Do they take Euros in Basel I thought they use CHF.
Written 29 December 2018
Swiss Francs. But just use a credit card. It’s most convenient & commonly used & accepted.
Written 29 December 2018
mrskrzypek
Chorzow, Poland
Is there in this museum Dali's "the burning giraffe"? I found informations on many websides that this paintig is in this gallery, but I can't find it on the list of artists.
Written 3 February 2018
Z całą pewnością jest. Życzę Ci żeby nie był akurat gdzieś wypożyczony. Niestety zdarzyło mi się tak z innym obrazem w Rijksmuseum / It is certainly. I wish you that he was not just rented out. Unfortunately, it happened to me with a different painting at the Rijksmuseum
Written 4 February 2018
Hi there! There is an entrance fee until 4 PM, one hour before closing. There are museum brochures you can keep as well as explanatory sheets in most rooms you may borrow in English. I am sure you will enjoy one the top art mueums in the world! Cheers, James
Written 1 April 2017
how much is the entrance fee ?
Written 5 February 2017
Want to stress it: the museum is not free even if you have Swill Rail Pass. This is one of few museums in Switzerland that are not included in the list of free museums with Swiss Rail Pass
Written 10 February 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 16
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing