Zug Art Gallery
Zug
The Zug Art Gallery, known locally as Kunsthaus Zug, is a prominent museum located on the edge of Zug's old town in Switzerland. Established in 1990 within a renovated 16th-century complex called 'Hof im Dorf', it is renowned for holding the most important collection of Viennese Modernism outside Austria. The museum's collection, primarily on long-term loan from the Sammlung Kamm Foundation, includes over 400 works by key artists such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Koloman Moser. Beyond Viennese Modernism, the gallery also features significant holdings in European modernism, Swiss surrealism, figurative sculpture, and contemporary art from the Zug region. The Kunsthaus Zug is active in contemporary art through its unique 'Project Collection', which fosters multi-year, site-specific collaborations with artists like Olafur Eliasson and Roman Signer. Due to limited space, the extensive collection is presented through thematic rotating exhibitions, often exploring interdisciplinary connections with applied arts, literature, music, and urbanism. The museum also operates 'Kunsthaus Zug mobil', a mobile exhibition container that brings contemporary art to various locations, enhancing accessibility. Educational programs including workshops, open studios, and guided tours play a vital role in engaging diverse audiences and fostering dialogue around the artworks.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's website for current thematic exhibitions and opening hours before visiting. Due to limited permanent exhibition space, the gallery relies on rotating shows, so planning visits around featured exhibitions is recommended. The mobile exhibition space, Kunsthaus Zug mobil, occasionally appears at different locations, offering free access to contemporary art. Booking guided tours or workshops in advance can enrich the experience. Spring and summer months provide pleasant weather to explore the old town surroundings alongside the museum.
Interesting facts
- •Kunsthaus Zug holds the most significant collection of Viennese Modernism outside Austria.
- •The Sammlung Kamm Foundation loans over 400 important works to the museum, including pieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele.
- •The museum operates a mobile exhibition space called Kunsthaus Zug mobil, which is one of the smallest museums in the world with 30.5 square meters of exhibition space.
- •The Project Collection supports multi-year, site-specific collaborations with contemporary artists, integrating public space and audience participation.
- •Kunsthaus Zug actively explores interdisciplinary connections with music, literature, and urbanism in its exhibitions.
History
Kunsthaus Zug was established in 1990 in a historic 16th-century building known as 'Hof im Dorf' at the edge of Zug's old town.
The gallery's core collection, focusing on Viennese Modernism, comes from the Sammlung Kamm Foundation, founded in 1998 by Christa, Peter, and Christine Kamm, which loans over 400 significant works to the museum.
The Zuger Kunstgesellschaft, founded in 1957, operates the museum and owns the collection, while the Friends of Kunsthaus Zug Foundation owns the building.
Since its founding, the museum has expanded to include contemporary art through its innovative Project Collection, supporting long-term collaborations with artists.
The mobile exhibition project, Kunsthaus Zug mobil, was launched in 2002 to broaden access to contemporary art beyond the museum walls.
Place Guide
Hof im Dorf Building16th century
A renovated 16th-century complex housing the Kunsthaus Zug, blending historical architecture with modern exhibition spaces, located at the edge of Zug's old town.
Sammlung Kamm CollectionFounded 1998
A major collection of Viennese Modernism and European modern art on long-term loan, featuring works by Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka, and others, forming the core of the museum's holdings.
Project CollectionSince 1996
An innovative initiative supporting contemporary art through long-term, site-specific collaborations with artists such as Olafur Eliasson and Roman Signer, involving public participation and multimedia works.
Kunsthaus Zug mobilSince 2002
A mobile museum housed in a 30.5 square meter container designed by Baukunst Rheinflügel, Düsseldorf, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions at various locations free of charge.
Contact
Phone: 041 725 33 44