Apr 16, 2025

Cabaret Voltaire Zurich

The birthplace of Dadaism

"There is also a library all about Dada stuff where you can work during the day. It’s a mix of a café and a place for artists to show what they can do."

The Cabaret Voltaire is where the famous Dada movement began in Zurich back in 1916 during World War I. Dada was all about challenging normal ways of making art, using music, writing, dancing, and painting in surprising new ways.

This place is still buzzing with art! They have changing art shows in the Vaulted Cellar and special nights called Tuesday Soirées in the Historic Hall where people chat about art. It’s not just about art. They've got two bars—one in the Historic Hall and one for artists. The artist bar features a new artist's work each year in the front area.

Upstairs, there's a special library all about Dada stuff where you can also work during the day. It’s a mix of a café and a place for artists to show what they can do. Cabaret Voltaire is a big deal in Zurich's art scene and has been around since 1916, telling the story of where Dadaism started.

Hugo Ball and his friend Emmy Hennings started this place because they wanted to share their ideas about art and the world. They moved here during the war and felt like art needed to change. They started the Dada movement just before Cabaret Voltaire opened its doors at Spiegelgasse 1. Today, it’s a reminder of Dadaism's cool, rebellious spirit and how it changed art forever.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

About this spot

Spiegelgasse 1, 8001 Zürich

Cocktail:

CHF

8

Find your way with 181 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zurich guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Zurich

Ars-imago

Paradise for film photography

Here you can buy any type of film for any camera, papers of all sorts, develop your photographs or get all the chemicals and accessories needed to do so.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 25, 2025

Chiang Mai Take Away

Thai Street Food Near HB

Chiang Mai Take Away is a cozy spot near the HB serving fresh Thai (and now Chinese) dishes. Fast, flavorful, and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marion

Sima Woessner

Apr 25, 2025
Schrödinger's Cat Zurich

Schrödinger's Cat

Experience the paradox

The cat isn't just a playful representation of Schrödinger's thought experiment, but it also invites the viewer to take part in the experiment.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Papiersaal Zurich

Papiersaal

Where History Meets Entertainment

Papiersaal is known for its events and its extraordinary stage. Music sounds better with their 180-degree stage and unique industrial but stylish ambiance.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Mühlerama

All things bread

You can book classical courses making sourdough, croissants, or puff pastry dough. But they also have more exciting options like a pasta-making course.

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Haus Konstruktiv

A Modern Art Haven

Haus Konstruktiv may appear unassuming from the outside, but you should not judge a book by its cover, at least not in this case.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Augusto Giacometti Halle Zurich

Augusto Giacometti Halle

Art in a Police Station

It all began when Zurich launched a competition to paint the entrance hall of a municipal building. They aimed to brighten up the dark and gloomy place...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Freitag Tower

A flagship store in a tower

The structure consists of 19 shipping containers stacked on top of each other. The Freitag Tower is beautiful and also functions as a flagship store.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
The Polybahn Zurich

The Polybahn

A red funicular

The Polybahn is a funicular that was created in 1889. With an average slope of 23%, it takes you from Römerhof to Bergstation Dolder Bahn.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025
Toy Museum Zurich

Toy Museum

Timeline of toys

For example, old dollhouses show how domestic life used to look like and dolls fashion. Train sets and steam engines reflect the beginnings of technology.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Simi

Singh

Apr 21, 2025

Toni Areal

All in one place

Besides the building itself, Toni Areal hosts an abundant amount of events, often linked to the art students. There is an amazing rooftop as well!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 20, 2025

Villa Tobler Park

Hidden public garden

At Villa Tobler Park you will find benches to relax among well-trimmed bushes, beautiful statues, and a fountain featuring a golden mosaic and a dragon.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Apr 20, 2025

Heading to Zurich?

181 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Zurich?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

181 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Zurich

Get to know our other Spotters from Zurich

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
39
Filters