Basel
Art storage & research

Visiting Schaulager in Münchenstein

An innovative art storage and research space designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

ArtContemporaryArchitecture

Schaulager combines the functions of an active art storage facility, research institution, and exhibition space. Visitors can explore stored contemporary art through specialized public guided tours, dedicated exhibitions, and educational programs.

This unique institution integrates contemporary art storage with public display, offering research access, school programs, and regular guided tours.

Schaulager
Schaulager: Contemporary Art Storage and Research

Located in Münchenstein, Schaulager is a pioneering institution that integrates the storage, study, and display of contemporary art. The venue houses the collection of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, serving as an active research hub for specialists. It invites the public to engage with these works through curated exhibitions, educational initiatives, and scheduled tours.

Exterior view of a textured straw-covered building with two circular windows and a large rectangular opening, next to a white gallery wall with a framed artwork
Visitor amenities and facilities at Schaulager

Schaulager in Basel offers a range of accessible facilities to support visitor comfort, including wheelchair-accessible exhibition and storage spaces connected by elevators. Dedicated accessible restrooms are available on the ground floor, and accessible parking spaces can be provided upon request. Visitors may also explore specific areas through guided tours, which provide entry to storage rooms that are otherwise not accessible.

Accessible parking

Limited

Accessible restrooms

Available

Elevator

Available

Automatic front door

Limited
Family visits at Schaulager

Schaulager provides dedicated Sunday programming designed for children aged 6 to 12. These interactive discovery sessions allow young visitors to explore contemporary art through guided tours and hands-on activities that invite parental participation. Visit the dedicated family page to learn more about these English-language sessions and how to plan your visit.

Recommended age: Ages 6–12

Schaulager hosts recurring children's tours on Sundays, featuring interactive discovery sessions through current exhibitions.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Free-of-charge guided tours for children
  • Interactive discovery sessions including activities
  • Offered in both German and English
  • Parents are invited to participate in the activities

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

Children's Tour

Ages 6–1260–60 minFree

Guided tours for children with activities parallel to public Sunday tours.

Schaulager Location in Münchenstein

Located on Ruchfeldstrasse in Münchenstein, within the Basel-Landschaft region, Schaulager occupies a unique space as a contemporary art storage and research institution. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, this facility houses the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation collection. Visitors exploring the Basel area can easily coordinate their travel to experience its scheduled programs and public exhibitions.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Ruchfeldstrasse 19

4142 Münchenstein

Basel-Landschaft, CH

Planning Your Visit to Schaulager

Planning a visit to Schaulager in Münchenstein requires some advance preparation, as this unique art institution primarily opens to the public for special exhibitions. To ensure entry during these scheduled programs, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. Visitors should check the current program schedule before arriving to coordinate their visit.

Planning Your Visit to Schaulager

Inside Schaulager: Art Storage, Research, and Public Exhibitions

Schaulager in Münchenstein integrates contemporary art storage with public exhibitions and academic research. This unique institution houses the extensive collection of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, keeping stored works accessible for study and dialogue. Visitors can explore the innovative building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, through monthly public guided tours. These educational sessions provide a rare look at the open storage space and permanent works like Dieter Roth's self-tower and lion tower.

Large rectangular building with a textured beige facade of repeating relief panels, a white side wall with a covered entrance, and a grassy foreground under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Top exhibition picks at Schaulager
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Basel
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Schaulager, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Basel.
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with purple walls and colorful geometric sculptures, depicting the Chamber Piece exhibition installation.
From Jun 12, 2016

Zita – Shchara Collaborative Exhibition Archive at Schaulager

Exploring historical and personal themes through distinct sculptures.

Delve into the three-room chamber installation created by Katharina Fritsch and Alexej Koschkarow. Learn how their contrasting sculptural styles addressed history and displacement at Schaulager.

View Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of the Sosnowska Zittel exhibition showing a large purple steel framework and abstract ribbon sculpture in a minimalist gallery.
From Apr 26, 2008

The 1:1 Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition at Schaulager

Exploring architectural forms and daily living spaces

Delve into this architectural dialogue featuring large-scale installations by Monika Sosnowska alongside the functional objects of Andrea Zittel. This historical documentation showcases how both artists utilized a one-to-one scale to challenge perceptions of human environments.

1:1 Exhibition Guide
Watercolor illustration of a gallery space featuring a film projection on the left wall and colorful hand-painted signs, including one reading "FILM", on the right.
From May 13, 2006

Tacita Dean and Francis Alÿs Exhibition at Schaulager

A dual showcase of film installations and collaborative art.

Discover an extraordinary dialogue between two contemporary artists. This presentation features Tacita Dean's poetic analogue films alongside Francis Alÿs's collaborative Sign Painting Project, questioning the lines between original art and commercial reproduction.

Exhibition Archive
Watercolor illustration of Steve McQueen's Bass installation at Schaulager, featuring abstract purple and blue LED light ribbons in a minimalist industrial gallery space.
From Jun 15, 2025

Steve McQueen: Bass Multimedia Exhibition at Schaulager

An abstract site-specific work exploring light and sound

Investigate the sensory boundaries of architecture with a unique spatial creation by filmmaker Steve McQueen. This presentation, co-commissioned by the Dia Art Foundation, features an immersive environment of atmospheric colors and auditory elements.

Explore Bass Exhibition
Purple watercolor illustration of a surreal pedestal sink sculpture with a human leg emerging from the side, coral growing from the basin, and seashells on the base.
From May 12, 2007

Explore the Robert Gober Retrospective Exhibition at Schaulager

Surreal contemporary sculptures and installations spanning three decades.

Delve into Robert Gober's transformative visual world at Schaulager. This comprehensive overview showcases handmade replicas of everyday items, including sinks, doors, and beds, that evoke a compelling blend of the familiar and the strange. Learn about his deep exploration of the American cultural landscape.

Gober Exhibition Guide
Watercolor illustration of a historic room with purple floral wallpaper covered in small portraits of a woman with a crimson veil, with a table and chairs.
From Mar 12, 2011

Francis Alÿs: Fabiola Exhibition Archive from Schaulager Basel

A site-specific installation of saint portraits in Basel.

Discover the historical record of Francis Alÿs's collection of over 370 amateur paintings of Saint Fabiola. Staged at Haus zum Kirschgarten, this project represents a significant conceptual intervention in Basel. Read curator insights and research the exhibition legacy.

Exhibition Archive
Paul Chan Contemporary Art Exhibition Archive at Schaulager
From Apr 12, 2014

Paul Chan Contemporary Art Exhibition Archive at Schaulager

Explore multidisciplinary installations and digital animation works.

Review the conceptual complexity of Paul Chan's artistic career through this detailed archive. This comprehensive survey displays sculptural elements, drawings, and digital animations that challenge viewers with timeless political and philosophical themes.

Paul Chan Exhibition
Dieter Roth Retrospective Contemporary Art Exhibition at Schaulager Basel
From May 25, 2003

Dieter Roth Retrospective Contemporary Art Exhibition at Schaulager Basel

Chronicling five decades of pioneering visual art and installations.

Learn about the universal work of influential contemporary artist Dieter Roth. This archive records the historic retrospective at Schaulager, highlighting drawings, bookmaker projects, and ephemeral materials that questioned the boundaries between art and life.

Dieter Roth Retrospective

The History and Architectural Origins of Schaulager

The origin of Schaulager dates to the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, established in 1933. Commissioned by the Laurenz Foundation and designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the facility was built from 2002 to 2003. Officially opening in 2003 in Münchenstein, Switzerland, it debuted as a **hybrid storage and research institution**. The venue launched its annual exhibitions that same year, highlighting its unique role in contemporary art preservation.

  • Establishment of the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation collection

    1933Founding

    The core collection housed at the Schaulager originates from the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation, which was established in 1933 by Maja Sacher, also known as Maja Hoffmann-Stehlin.

  • Construction of the facility

    2002-2003Construction

    Commissioned by the Laurenz Foundation and designed by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the building was constructed over a two-year period to serve as an open warehouse for art preservation.

  • Official opening of the Schaulager

    2003Opening

    Following its construction, the Schaulager museum officially opened in 2003 in Münchenstein, Switzerland, as an institution functioning as a combination of a public museum, art storage facility, and research institute.

  • Inaugural annual exhibition

    2003Milestone

    The museum launched its annual exhibition series in 2003 with 'Roth-Zeit', a retrospective dedicated to the artist Dieter Roth, establishing a tradition of hosting specialized contemporary art events.

  • Collaborative exhibition with MoMA

    2018Milestone

    In 2018, the Schaulager held a significant exhibition titled 'Bruce Nauman: Disappearing Acts' which was organized in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Schaulager FAQs: Getting In and Getting Around

Planning a trip to Schaulager in Basel but have a few lingering questions? Rest assured, all floors are connected by an elevator, though you will need to book a guided tour if you want to peek into the specialized art storage rooms. Just remember to secure a reservation in advance so you do not get left out in the cold!

What is the phone number for Schaulager?

The official phone number for Schaulager is not provided in our records. Please check their website for telephone inquiries.

Does Schaulager have a public email address?

A public email address for Schaulager is not listed in our database. We recommend visiting their official website for any email inquiries.

How do I contact Schaulager for visitor information?

To contact Schaulager for visitor information, please refer directly to their official website, as contact details are not currently specified in our database.

Do you need a reservation for Schaulager?

Yes, booking a reservation is recommended prior to your visit to Schaulager.

Schaulager Visitor Tips

When planning a visit to Schaulager in Basel, securing a reservation in advance is highly recommended. The venue features strong accessibility options, including an automatic front entrance door, elevators serving all floors, and accessible restrooms on the ground floor. Visitors requiring accessible parking can also request a spot in advance. Finally, while the exhibition rooms are accessible, please note that the specialized art storage rooms can only be viewed by joining a guided tour.

Visitor Fit and Accessibility at Schaulager

Schaulager in Münchenstein is well-suited for students, group travelers, and visitors with a keen interest in contemporary art, architecture, and scholarly research. As a unique hybrid of an art storage facility and a research institution, the venue offers an educational experience that differs from a traditional museum. Access to the storage rooms is available exclusively through scheduled guided tours, making advanced planning highly recommended. Additionally, the entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, automatic doors, and accessible parking available upon request.

Schaulager Architecture and Gallery Images

Discover the architectural presence of Schaulager in Basel through images highlighting its unique building. Visual previews showcase the distinctive textured facade panels designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Inside, gallery photographs capture the contemporary art display spaces, setting clear visual expectations for visitors.

Large rectangular building with a textured beige facade of repeating relief panels, a white side wall with a covered entrance, and a grassy foreground under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Exterior view of a textured straw-covered building with two circular windows and a large rectangular opening, next to a white gallery wall with a framed artwork
Exterior view of the Schaulager building showing its distinctive angular brick and white facade with a street and yellow crosswalk markings in the foreground
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