Attraction
Grossmünster
Zurich's twin-towered Romanesque church, where Zwingli launched the Swiss Reformation, with Giacometti and Polke windows, a crypt and a 187-step tower climb.
Museum Rietberg
Switzerland's museum of art from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, set in historic villas in the Rieterpark with an underground extension known as the Emerald.
At a glance
- Type
- Museum of non-European art
- Area
- Enge, Zurich, Switzerland
- Official site
- rietberg.ch
Good to know
- Park setting
- Historic villas
- Late opening Thursday
- Special exhibitions
Why we recommend it
Museum Rietberg is the only art museum in Switzerland devoted to cultures outside Europe, and its setting is part of the appeal. The collection is spread across historic villas in the Rieterpark, a landscaped park of about 67,000 square metres in the Enge district, which Zürich Tourism calls one of the most beautiful parks in Zurich. The main building, the Villa Wesendonck, was converted into a museum in 1951 and 1952, and the museum opened on 24 May 1952 to house the collection of Baron Eduard von der Heydt, which he had given to the city. The Swiss painter Johannes Itten was its first director, until 1956, and today the museum receives around 80,000 visitors a year.
In 2007 the museum opened the Emerald, a mostly underground extension designed by Alfred Grazioli and Adolf Krischanitz. Because most of it lies below ground, it hardly changes the look of the park, yet it more than doubled the exhibition space. Around 80 per cent of the collection consists of gifts from private collectors.
The galleries hold treasures from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, and the museum also keeps a collection of elaborately carved masks from Switzerland. It is well known for its special exhibitions, which change through the year. One of the villas, the Villa Schönberg, has a literary connection: Richard Wagner stayed there for several months and completed the handwritten libretto of Tristan and Isolde.
Zürich Tourism lists the museum as closed on Mondays and open until 20:00 on Thursdays, with shorter hours on other days; check the museum website for holiday changes. Zürich Tourism notes that special hours apply during holidays. A single ticket covers the current exhibition and the collection, and Zürich Card holders enter free. Allow two hours for the collection and an exhibition, plus time for the park, which is free to walk in. The museum suits art lovers and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the busier city-centre museums.
The museum is a short walk uphill from Zürich Enge railway station. Tram 7 and bus 33 also stop nearby. The FIFA Museum, opposite Enge station, is within easy walking distance.
Museum Rietberg FAQs
What kind of art does Museum Rietberg show?
Art from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania, plus a collection of Swiss carved masks.
When is the museum open?
Zürich Tourism lists it as closed on Mondays and open late until 20:00 on Thursdays. Check the museum website for exact and holiday hours.
Is the park free?
Yes, the Rieterpark is a public park and free to walk in.
What is the Emerald?
The mostly underground extension opened in 2007, designed by Alfred Grazioli and Adolf Krischanitz.
How do I get there?
Walk uphill from Zürich Enge station, or take tram 7 or bus 33 to a nearby stop.
Is the Zürich Card valid?
Yes, Zürich Card holders get free entry according to Zürich Tourism.
How long should I allow?
About two hours for the museum, plus time to walk in the park.
What is the Wagner connection?
Richard Wagner stayed at the Villa Schönberg for several months and finished the handwritten libretto of Tristan and Isolde there.