This major retrospective at the Kunstmuseum Basel honors the bicentennial of Arnold Böcklin's birth. Curated by Eva Reifert, the presentation features over 150 works, including paintings, sculptures, and legendary motifs like the famous Isle of the Dead. Visitors can explore the artist's unique legacy and Swiss Symbolist contribution in the museum's Neubau wing starting September 2027.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Böcklin: Beyond the Myth at Kunstmuseum Basel – Gegenwart in Basel
To mark the bicentennial of Arnold Böcklin's birth, the Kunstmuseum Basel presents a major exhibition featuring over 150 works by the renowned Swiss painter. The show explores his fascinating oeuvre, ranging from luminous colors and legendary creatures to eerie, fantastical landscapes and haunting portraits.
Arnold Böcklin was a multifaceted artist—painter, sculptor, and inventor—whose work defined significant shifts in 19th-century art. This grand exhibition, curated by Eva Reifert, provides an in-depth exploration of his legacy, drawing from the Kunstmuseum Basel's extensive collection, which is arguably the most significant assembly of his work globally. Visitors will encounter his most iconic motifs, including the celebrated 'Isle of the Dead', a masterpiece of Symbolism that continues to captivate audiences with its mystical atmosphere. Beyond his famous landscapes, the exhibition investigates the breadth of Böcklin's career, showcasing his unique approach to color, narrative, and the uncanny. Initiated by the Kunstmuseum Basel and realized in cooperation with the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin, this presentation brings together diverse works to offer a fresh perspective on one of the most important Swiss artists of his time. The exhibition honors the artist's bicentennial by reflecting on the depth, complexity, and enduring cultural impact of his artistic vision.
The exhibition will be presented in the Neubau wing of the Kunstmuseum Basel. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website for updated ticketing and admission details closer to the exhibition opening in September 2027.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Böcklin: Beyond the Myth at Kunstmuseum Basel – Gegenwart in Basel
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