A short walk or tram ride from Bahnhof Enge, you'll find one of Switzerland’s largest art museums in a beautiful setting, including various 19th-century mansions and a splendid park.
Dedicated to different kinds of non-European art, Museum Rietberg was initially based on a donation by banker Edouard von der Heyd, who bequeathed his collection of Asian art to the city of Zürich. It now includes over 30,000 objects from Asia, America, Africa, and Oceania, emphasizing Zürich’s cosmopolitan nature and the diversity of global art. This is based on von der Heydt’s idea of 'ars una,' an egalitarian concept of art that transcends cultural differences and local origins.
The museum opened in 1952 in Villa Wesendonck, which was finished in 1857 for silk the trader Wesendonck. The Wesendoncks hosted artists and scientists, including Richard Wagner. During this time, Mathilde Wesendonck and Wagner became friends and wrote many letters. Some people think a love affair had developed. In any case, the exchange impacted Wagner's work. Inspired by their unfulfillable love, he finalized his famous opera Tristan and Isolde.
Later, the building was significantly extended underground, and the "Smaragt" extension opened in 2007. Smaragd is also the venue for new temporary exhibitions, such as last year’s “Kimono – Kyoto to catwalk”.
Surrounding Rieterpark is Zurich's largest landscape garden with over 70,000m2 space. On clear days, you see as far as the Alps. The greenhouse of Villa Wesendonck, which was also the setting for Richard Wagners songs, is home to a fine self-service café where homemade dishes are served.
Find your way with 181 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
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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.
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Papiersaal is known for its events and its extraordinary stage. Music sounds better with their 180-degree stage and unique industrial but stylish ambiance.
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You can book classical courses making sourdough, croissants, or puff pastry dough. But they also have more exciting options like a pasta-making course.
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Haus Konstruktiv may appear unassuming from the outside, but you should not judge a book by its cover, at least not in this case.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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