Basel
Kinetic art in Basel

Visiting Museum Tinguely in Basel

Explore the world's largest collection of kinetic art in Mario Botta's riverside building.

ArtMusic

A museum showcasing the permanent collection of Jean Tinguely alongside contemporary exhibitions, interactive workshops, and a vibrant program of live music, social gatherings, and guided tours.

Discover the art of Jean Tinguely, contemporary exhibitions, and a vibrant lineup of live jazz, social events, and family workshops.

Museum Tinguely
About Museum Tinguely

Located in Basel, Museum Tinguely showcases the permanent collection of Jean Tinguely alongside diverse modern art exhibitions. This dynamic cultural hub brings kinetic art to life through interactive displays and a regular schedule of live music, guided tours, and creative workshops. Visitors can explore experimental contemporary art and enjoy community events at the on-site bistro.

Exterior view of Museum Tinguely showing its red brick cylindrical tower with white lettering, surrounded by green trees and a street with crosswalk under a blue sky
Museum Tinguely opening hours in Basel

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Museum Tinguely. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Basel.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
11:00-18:00
11:00-18:00
11:00-21:00
11:00-18:00
11:00-18:00
11:00-18:00
Museum Tinguely Ticket Prices & Admission

Museum Tinguely in Basel offers several admission options, including standard adult tickets for CHF 18 and discounted rates of CHF 12 for students, people with disabilities, and groups of twelve or more. Children under 16 years of age can enter the galleries for free. Additionally, the museum provides free late-night admission on Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm. Valid identification is required for student and apprentice discounts.

Adults
CHF 18.00
Students and Apprentices
CHF 12.00

Valid student or apprentice ID required

Children (under 16)
Free

For children under 16 years of age

Visitor amenities at Museum Tinguely

Museum Tinguely provides a variety of practical facilities to ensure a comfortable visitor experience. The site is fully wheelchair accessible with equipment available for use, and it offers convenient parking options for visitors with disabilities near the entrance. Additionally, guests can engage with the collections through guided tours as part of the museum's educational programs.

Wheelchair access

Available

Guided tours

Available

Disabled parking

Available
Family visits at Museum Tinguely

Museum Tinguely provides a range of activities for families, including monthly public tours and inclusive events held during temporary exhibitions. Children aged eight and over can join the weekly Kinderclub for creative studio work. More detailed information on age-specific programs and planning your visit is available on our dedicated family page.

Museum Tinguely offers engaging activities for families, including recurring guided tours, interactive Sunday events, and a weekly creative club for children.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Public guided tours for families held on the last Saturday of each month.
  • Inclusive Family Sundays held during major temporary exhibitions.
  • Weekly Kinderclub offering creative experimentation in the studio.
  • Birthday parties featuring a guided tour and creative studio time.

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

Public guided tour for families

60–60 min

A monthly guided tour through the Tinguely collection.

Family program

Kinderclub

Ages 8+180–180 minPaidBooking required

A weekly club for children to explore exhibits and create art in the studio.

Family program

Family Sundays

Free

Inclusive events held during major temporary exhibitions.

Museum Tinguely Location and Setting

Museum Tinguely is situated at Paul Sacher-Anlage in the Wettstein neighborhood of Basel. Housed in a building designed by Mario Botta, this riverside venue offers visitors a scenic setting for exploring the world's largest collection of kinetic art. The location nicely pairs dynamic cultural exhibitions with relaxing waterfront views, making it an inviting destination for art lovers.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Paul Sacher-Anlage 1

4058 Basel

Wettstein, Basel-Stadt, CH

Planning your visit to Museum Tinguely

Visitors traveling by car should note that there is no public parking directly at Museum Tinguely in Basel, so please utilize the nearby Badischer Bahnhof or Messe parking garages. Accessible parking is available at the entrance on Grenzacherstrasse. All exhibition spaces are fully wheelchair accessible for those requiring assistance.

Planning your visit to Museum Tinguely

Exhibitions and Creative Events at Museum Tinguely

Located in Basel, Museum Tinguely offers a unique encounter with the kinetic art of Jean Tinguely. Visitors can explore the permanent collection of moving sculptures alongside temporary exhibitions that highlight modern art practices. Beyond the galleries, this active cultural hub hosts regular guided tours and creative workshops for families. The visitor experience is enriched by live music events like the Roche 'n' Jazz concert series and social gatherings at the Sound Bar. Guests can also unwind at the on-site bistro Chez Jeannot, completing a diverse and engaging cultural visit.

Large kinetic metal sculpture with wheels, gears, and mechanical components mounted on a tall grid frame, viewed by a visitor in a bright gallery space
Top exhibition picks at Museum Tinguely
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Basel
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Museum Tinguely, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Basel.
La roue = c'est tout Exhibition at Museum Tinguely
Permanent exhibition

La roue = c'est tout Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

A permanent exploration of Jean Tinguely's mechanical art masterpieces.

Delve into the fascinating world of kinetic art and mechanical movement. This exhibition features legendary works like L’Éloge de la Folie and massive, interactive walk-through sculptures.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of an installation with industrial machine parts and soft purple fabric in a gallery, representing the Labouring Bodies exhibition.
From Jun 10, 2026

Discover the Labouring Bodies Art Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

Exploring the intersection of technology, industrial labor, and gender studies.

Examine a diverse range of historical and contemporary works from the early twentieth century to the present. See how artists like Rosa Barba, Mary Kelly, and Jean Tinguely challenge traditional ideas of productivity.

Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of a modern art gallery interior featuring large glass display windows with sculptures and mobiles, and visitors walking on a polished floor.
From Dec 4, 2024

Fresh Window Art Exhibition at Museum Tinguely in Basel

Discover the creative intersection of retail display and modern art history.

Examine the long-standing dialogue between retail culture and artistic practice. See how prominent artists used commercial windows to challenge public norms, explore urban change, and showcase performance art in Basel.

View Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of a vintage 1895 Lumière Cinématographe projector casting light onto a screen in a historic exhibition hall.
From Oct 19, 2022

Cinema before Cinema Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

Discover the restored films of Swiss pioneer Lavanchy-Clarke.

Trace the origins of moving pictures in Switzerland through rare films and photography. This presentation highlights 19th-century technological innovation and early media design in Basel.

Cinema Exhibition
Julian Charrière: Midnight Zone Solo Exhibition at Museum Tinguely
From Jun 11, 2025

Julian Charrière: Midnight Zone Solo Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

Multidisciplinary contemporary art focusing on underwater ecology.

Discover a profound reflection on the environmental stakes of the world's oceans through the work of Julian Charrière. This immersive exhibition showcases video art, installations, and sculptures that trace human impact on hydrological systems.

Midnight Zone Exhibition
See the Nicolas Darrot Fuzzy Logic Exhibition in Basel
From Mar 5, 2026

See the Nicolas Darrot Fuzzy Logic Exhibition in Basel

Interactive robotic puppets in a unique theater setting.

Witness mechanical puppet figures that sing, dance, and move through custom programming. Visitors use a special card to trigger spontaneous performances that challenge standard ideas of technology and art.

Fuzzy Logic Exhibition
A watercolor illustration of pinned sketches, handwritten notes, and archival prints on a purple background, representing artistic ideas and museum observations from the Merci Seppi exhibition.
Nov 17, 2021 – Mar 13, 2022

Merci Seppi: Jean Tinguely Drawings and Collages at Museum Tinguely

A tribute collection showcasing drawings, prints, and personal sketches.

See over 400 works on paper donated by Jean Tinguely's assistant, Josef Imhof. This tribute highlights drawings, watercolours, and project sketches documenting their creative partnership.

Merci Seppi Exhibition
Angelica Mesiti: Reverb Contemporary Art Exhibition at Museum Tinguely
Mar 18, 2026 – Aug 30, 2026

Angelica Mesiti: Reverb Contemporary Art Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

Multi-channel video and sound installations exploring human connection.

Discover the works of contemporary artist Angelica Mesiti, highlighting the interface of performance, sound, and moving images. This exhibition features installations that examine cultural rituals and non-linguistic expression.

View Exhibition Details

History and Origins of Museum Tinguely

Established in 1996 on the banks of the Rhine in Basel, Museum Tinguely was created to house the works of the Swiss kinetic artist. Designed by architect Mario Botta, the facility soon expanded its holdings through a significant donation of pieces by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Over the decades, the museum developed the *world's largest collection* of Tinguely's art. In 2023, it continued this legacy by acquiring the 1966 relief Éloge de la folie during a major exhibition.

  • Opened to the public in 1996

    1996Opening

    The museum was opened in 1996 on the banks of the Rhine in Basel, Switzerland, specifically dedicated to the life and works of Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely.

  • Designed by Mario Botta

    1996Architecture

    The museum building was designed by the notable Swiss architect Mario Botta, reflecting a modern architectural approach suited for the display of kinetic sculptures.

  • Donation by Niki de Saint Phalle

    1996Collection

    Shortly after the museum opened, artist Niki de Saint Phalle donated more than 50 works from the estate of Jean Tinguely, significantly strengthening the museum's permanent collection.

  • Launch of La roue = c’est tout exhibition

    2023Milestone

    In 2023, the museum introduced a major exhibition revisiting Jean Tinguely's contributions to kinetic art, which included the acquisition of his 1966 relief work Éloge de la folie.

  • Home to the world's largest Tinguely collection

    Cultural significance

    The museum holds the world's largest collection of Jean Tinguely's works, spanning a wide range of his artistic output from early reliefs to complex, large-scale kinetic sculptures.

Quick Answers & Quirks: Museum Tinguely FAQ

Curious about experiencing kinetic art in Basel without draining your wallet? Bring along a teenager under 16 for free, or time your visit for a Thursday evening after 6 pm when everyone gets in for free. Otherwise, standard entry to Museum Tinguely is 18 CHF—a small price for mechanical magic.

What is the email address for Museum Tinguely?

The official email address for Museum Tinguely is not currently provided in our records.

How do I contact Museum Tinguely customer service?

Specific contact details and response times for Museum Tinguely customer service are not provided in our records.

What is the phone number for Museum Tinguely?

The phone number for Museum Tinguely is not currently available in our records.

How much does a standard admission ticket cost at Museum Tinguely?

A standard adult admission ticket to Museum Tinguely costs 18 CHF.

Visitor tips for Museum Tinguely

Visitors planning a trip to Museum Tinguely can benefit from the site's full accessibility, as all exhibition spaces are wheelchair friendly and wheelchairs are available for loan. For those arriving by vehicle, designated disabled parking is provided at the entrance on Grenzacherstrasse. To deepen your understanding of the kinetic art collections, consider participating in the educational workshops or guided tours offered on-site. These practical amenities ensure a comfortable and informative experience for all guests throughout the museum.

Visitor Experience at Museum Tinguely

Museum Tinguely in the Wettstein neighborhood of Basel offers a welcoming environment for visitors interested in kinetic art, music, and contemporary exhibitions. The museum is well-suited for families and groups, providing dedicated workshops for children and guided tours for those who want a deeper look at the collections. With wheelchair access provided for all exhibition spaces and available loaner wheelchairs, the venue ensures that its cultural offerings remain accessible to all guests. Whether participating in creative sessions or attending live jazz events, visitors can expect an engaging space that fosters both artistic discovery and community connection.

Museum Tinguely Photo Preview and Architecture

Images of Museum Tinguely in Basel showcase Mario Botta's architecture, featuring a red sandstone facade, a cylindrical tower, and an undulating roofline. Inside, curved corridors with floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Rhine River, filling the space with natural daylight. These scenes highlight the striking transition between the modern building and the surrounding Solitude Park.

Exterior view of Museum Tinguely showing its red brick cylindrical tower with white lettering, surrounded by green trees and a street with crosswalk under a blue sky
Exterior view of Museum Tinguely, a pink brick building with large glass windows and the museum name displayed on the upper facade, topped with a kinetic sculpture, surrounded by trees near a river at sunset
Museum Tinguely brick building viewed from across the Rhine river, with trees, a small beach, and the museum's name displayed on the facade
Exterior view of Museum Tinguely showing its distinctive curved brick facade with undulating roofline, surrounded by green lawns and trees with visitors walking on a path
Long curved interior corridor with floor-to-ceiling windows on the right and textured wall on the left, with two visitors walking along the wooden floor
Large kinetic metal sculpture with wheels, gears, and mechanical components mounted on a tall grid frame, viewed by a visitor in a bright gallery space
Interior view of the Schauatelier conservation and restoration studio at Museum Tinguely, with glass doors, wooden floors, and artworks being worked on
Bright white interior of Museum Tinguely shop with a counter labeled TICKETS INFO SHOP, bookshelves, and framed artworks on the walls
Kinetic water sculpture with multiple arcing water jets spraying from dark metal forms in a circular pool, set against green trees in a park
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