Rosengart Collection
Luzern
The Rosengart Collection is a renowned art museum located in Lucerne, Switzerland, dedicated to modern art with a special focus on the works of Paul Klee and Pablo Picasso. Founded on the private collection of Siegfried Rosengart, a prominent art dealer with close ties to Picasso and other modern artists, the museum houses over 300 works, including significant pieces by Kandinsky, Braque, Chagall, Modigliani, Léger, Seurat, Bonnard, Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, and Miró. The collection features the largest private holding of Klee's art after the artist's family and an extensive array of Picasso's works. Housed in a former Swiss National Bank building constructed in the neoclassical style by architect Hermann Herter in the early 1920s, the museum was transformed by architect Roger Diener and opened to the public in 2002. The layout includes Picasso's works on the ground floor, Klee's in the basement, and other modern artists on the first floor. The original conference room of the bank is preserved and accessible to visitors, adding to the unique atmosphere. The museum is nationally recognized as a cultural asset of significance and attracts art enthusiasts worldwide for its rich, diverse collection and historical setting.
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Tip: Visitors should consider arriving during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to secure entry, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers concessions for students, seniors, and groups, so inquire about available discounts. Audio guides are available to enhance understanding of the artworks and their historical context. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •The Rosengart Collection holds the second largest private collection of Paul Klee's works after the artist's own family.
- •The museum is located in a former Swiss National Bank building constructed in the early 1920s, preserving the original bank conference room for visitors.
- •Siegfried Rosengart had personal friendships with renowned artists including Picasso, Miró, Chagall, and Matisse, influencing the composition of the collection.
- •The collection includes over 300 works, with roughly 125 by Paul Klee and 180 by Picasso, alongside other significant modern artists.
- •The museum attracted over 100,000 visitors in its first year after opening in 2002.
History
The Rosengart Collection Museum is housed in a former branch of the Swiss National Bank, built between 1923 and 1924 by Zurich architect Hermann Herter in a neoclassical style.
Siegfried Rosengart, an art dealer active in Munich and connected to major modern artists, accumulated an extensive private collection of modern art alongside his daughter Angela.
Angela Rosengart founded the Rosengart Foundation in 1992 to preserve and promote the collection.
The museum officially opened in March 2002 after architect Roger Diener converted the bank building into an art museum.
Prior to this, some Picasso works were exhibited in a dedicated Picasso Museum in Lucerne opened in 1978 to celebrate the city’s 800th anniversary.
Since its opening, the Rosengart Collection has become a prominent cultural institution in Switzerland.
Place Guide
Ground Floor - Picasso Gallery
This floor showcases around 180 works by Pablo Picasso, illustrating his artistic evolution and diverse styles across different periods of his career.
Basement - Paul Klee Gallery
The basement houses approximately 125 works by Paul Klee, offering a comprehensive overview of his unique style and contributions to modern art.
First Floor - Modern Masters
Featuring works by other modern artists such as Kandinsky, Braque, Chagall, Modigliani, Léger, Seurat, Bonnard, Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, and Miró, this floor highlights the diversity of early 20th-century modernism.
Original Bank Conference Room1923-1924
Preserved in its original state, this room offers visitors a glimpse into the building's former use as a Swiss National Bank branch, contrasting the modern art surrounding it.
Contact
Phone: 041 220 16 60
