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.