What to Do in Basel, Switzerland

A small, quirky university city – and an international epicentre for art and architecture – Basel makes the perfect urban getaway for design-loving travellers.

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The permanent collection at Fondation Beyeler
Photo credit: Mark Niedermann

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Fondation Beyeler

This collection of artworks was acquired by art dealers Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, who also co-founded Art Basel. You’ll find it in a contemporary pavilion designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.

Address

Baselstrasse 101 CH-4125 Riehen/Basel

Artwork on display at Kunstmuseum Basel
Photo credit: Julian Salinas

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Kunstmuseum Basel

Basel's Kunstmuseum holds what is arguably the oldest public art collection in the world, purchased by the city and the university as a joint effort back in 1661. Still, it feels thrillingly modern, thanks to an extension that was completed in 2016.

Address

Kunstmuseum Basel St. Alban-Graben 8 CH-4010 Basel

Vitra Museum Basel
Photo credit: Kevin Faingnaert

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Vitra Design Museum

With a focus on interior design, the Vitra Design Museum's collection is a feast of great furniture housed in architect Frank Gehry's first European project, an architectural attraction in its own right.

Address

Vitra Design Museum Charles-Eames-Str. 2 D-79576 Weil am Rhein

The Lowdown

Looking for tips on exploring Basel's arty side? Visit basel.com, or purchase Volume 37: Craft today and receive A Creative's Guide to Switzerland, an 80-page SUITCASE travel companion to Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux Riviera, and Basel.

Main photo credit: Kevin Faingnaert