Museum of Art Thurgau
Thurgau
The Museum of Art Thurgau is housed since 1983 within parts of the historic Ittingen Charterhouse in the Canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. The museum's collection emphasizes regional art from the Lake Constance area, international outsider art, and projects connected to the museum's location. Originating from the Thurgau Art Association founded in 1935, the museum evolved from displaying artworks in government buildings to a dedicated modern museum space. It manages significant legacies including those of Adolf Dietrich, Carl Roesch, and Hans Krüsi, and has expanded its collection to include notable international outsider and art brut works. The museum is known for integrating contemporary installations such as Tadashi Kawamata's "Scheiterturm" and Joseph Kosuth's conceptual pieces, which engage with the historic monastery setting. As part of the former Carthusian monastery complex, the museum offers a unique cultural experience combining art with centuries of monastic history.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum’s official website for current exhibitions and events, as it frequently hosts contemporary art projects and concerts. The museum is best visited in spring through autumn when the surrounding Ittingen Charterhouse grounds are particularly appealing. Advance ticket purchase is recommended for special exhibitions and events. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours can enhance understanding of the artworks and the historic site.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is housed in a former Carthusian monastery dating back to 1150.
- •It manages the artistic legacies of notable regional artists such as Adolf Dietrich and Hans Krüsi.
- •The museum features contemporary installations like Tadashi Kawamata’s "Scheiterturm" and Joseph Kosuth’s conceptual art.
- •The Ittingen Charterhouse complex includes not only the museum but also an educational centre, farm, hotels, and a restaurant.
- •The museum’s collection policy shifted in the 1990s to include international outsider art beyond the Lake Constance region.
History
The Museum of Art Thurgau is located in the former Ittingen Charterhouse, a Carthusian monastery founded in 1150 and dissolved in 1848.
The monastery buildings were preserved and later restored after private ownership by the Fehr family.
In 1983, the museum opened in modernized spaces within the monastery complex.
Its collection grew out of the Thurgau Art Association's activities starting in 1935 and was formalized with the museum’s establishment.
Over decades, the museum expanded from regional art to include significant outsider and international contemporary works, reflecting evolving art trends and the cultural heritage of the region.
Place Guide
Adolf Dietrich's Art Room
Dedicated space showcasing works by Adolf Dietrich, a prominent regional painter known for his detailed naïve style.
Hans Krüsi Collection Room
Exhibition area featuring the complete legacy of Hans Krüsi, an artist who bequeathed his works to the museum, highlighting naïve and outsider art.
Scheiterturm by Tadashi KawamataRecent decades
A contemporary installation by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata, known as the "Scheiterturm" (pile tower), integrated within the museum grounds.
Joseph Kosuth’s Conceptual WorksLate 20th to early 21st century
Includes "The Silenced Library" in the former wine cellar and a Nietzsche quote inscribed on the museum facade, reflecting conceptual art's engagement with philosophy and space.
Contact
Phone: 058 345 10 60