Pantheon Basel
Basel-Landschaft
Pantheon Basel, located in Muttenz near Basel, is the largest classic car center in Switzerland, combining a museum, workshop, and event space dedicated to vintage automobiles and mobility. The museum is housed in a remarkable circular hall built in 1965 by architects Janz and Spinnler, featuring a 50-meter clear-span roof with a thin, prestressed concrete shell. Inside, a spiraling ramp allows visitors to view meticulously parked classic cars ascending towards the roof, while the interior space also displays other historical transportation modes such as bicycles, motorcycles, and carriages. The collection includes notable pieces like a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen and historic racing bicycles that set world records. Founded by entrepreneur Stephan Musfeld, who envisioned a public forum for classic car enthusiasts, the Pantheon opened in 2008 and has since hosted numerous exhibitions, events, and private gatherings. Beyond the museum, the site includes a professional restoration garage with services such as upholstery and paintwork, rentable workshops, and a Mediterranean-style restaurant. The transparent walls and roof illuminate the exhibits at night, making the museum a striking landmark. Guided tours and a museum shop offering automotive literature and models enhance the visitor experience, making Pantheon Basel a unique destination for motor history and culture.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's opening hours, which are generally 10:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and until 16:30 on weekends and holidays. Purchasing tickets on-site is common, but for special exhibitions or events, advance booking is recommended. The museum is especially atmospheric in the evening when illuminated. The Pantheon also serves as an event venue, so checking the calendar for concerts or special programs can enrich the visit. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors. Parking is available onsite, and the location is accessible by public transport from Basel.
Interesting facts
- •The circular hall of Pantheon Basel has a 50-meter diameter and was the largest column-free space in Basel in the 1960s.
- •The roof is a 5 cm thin, prestressed concrete shell, an architectural marvel of its time.
- •The spiraling ramp inside the museum allows visitors to view classic cars parked in an ascending circular path.
- •The museum includes a replica of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, one of the earliest automobiles ever made.
- •Historic racing bicycles that set world records, such as the 1887 Ordinary Racer and the 1950 Tour de France winning bike of Ferdy Kübler, are also exhibited.
History
The Pantheon Basel was founded by Stephan Musfeld, a passionate classic car collector and engineer, who sought to create a dedicated space for vintage car enthusiasts in Switzerland.
He discovered the former Züblin repair and machine hall in Muttenz, built in 1965 by architects Janz and Spinnler, notable for its large, column-free circular design and thin prestressed concrete roof.
After nearly two and a half years of development and renovation by Toffol-Architekten Basel, the Pantheon opened in August 2008 as a multifunctional forum combining a museum, workshop, event space, and classic car garage.
Since then, it has become a hub for classic car preservation, exhibitions, and social gatherings.
Place Guide
Spiral Ramp and Exhibition Hall1965
The main exhibition space is a vast circular hall featuring a spiraling ramp that ascends towards the roof. Visitors can walk or drive vintage cars up the ramp, viewing the collection from multiple levels. The hall's translucent walls and roof allow natural light by day and create a glowing effect at night.
Classic Garage and Workshop
The Pantheon houses a professional restoration garage offering services including upholstery, paintwork, and mechanical repairs for classic cars. It supports both private collectors and the museum's maintenance needs.
Museum Exhibits
The museum displays a chronological evolution of road mobility, featuring classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and carriages. Highlights include the Benz Patent-Motorwagen replica and historic racing bicycles that set world records.
Event Spaces and Restaurant
The Pantheon also functions as an event venue with spaces suitable for concerts, corporate events, and private parties. The on-site restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, enhancing the visitor experience.
Contact
Phone: 061 466 40 60
