Experience Jean Tinguely’s Kinetic Art Exhibition at Museum Tinguely

This permanent exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Jean Tinguely's artistic oeuvre, centered on the theme of the 'wheeled civilization' and the relationship between man and machine. It showcases works ranging from his early kinetic wire sculptures and Méta-Matic drawing machines to his monumental, late-period musical constructions and somber reflections on transience.

For the first time since its founding, the Museum Tinguely has curated a new permanent exhibition based on its extensive collection of the artist's work, complemented by key loans. Taking the leitmotif 'La roue = c'est tout' (The wheel is everything), the exhibition explores the recurring theme of the wheel as an expression of shifting times and artistic innovation. The presentation guides visitors through a chronological and thematic tour, starting with Tinguely's influential 1950s wire sculptures and the groundbreaking Méta-Matic drawing machines that challenged the conventional art market. It also highlights his collaborative projects with the Nouveaux Réalistes movement and his explosive, performative happenings from the 1960s. The exhibition makes extensive use of the museum's great hall, designed by architect Mario Botta to house Tinguely's large-scale works. Visitors can experience iconic pieces like 'L’Éloge de la Folie' and walk-through sculptures like 'Grosse-Méta-Maxi-Maxi-Utopia' in motion. The display extends to a mezzanine floor dedicated to Tinguely's later works from the 1980s, where his interest in themes of death, religion, and the dangers of motor racing is evident through the use of damaged car parts and organic materials. Throughout, the exhibition provides an interactive and engaging perspective on an artist who deconstructed the modern machine age.

The permanent exhibition is included with standard museum admission. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website for current ticketing and visitor information.