The Fondation Beyeler is an art museum in Riehen, a village on the edge of Basel in Switzerland. It is also known as the Beyeler Foundation. Its collection brings together Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings with contemporary works, so a single visit can move from the nineteenth century to the present day.
The building
The museum occupies a building designed by the architect Renzo Piano. It sits in open landscape, and its long, light-filled rooms make the surrounding setting part of the visit. Many visitors come as much for the architecture as for the paintings, and the building works well for seeing art at an unhurried pace.
What to expect
- Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, presented in a calm, spacious setting
- Contemporary art, which sits alongside the older works
- A museum that suits a slow afternoon rather than a quick stop
Getting there and around
The foundation is at Baselstrasse 101, 4125 Riehen, just outside the city of Basel. Because it lies in a village rather than the old town, it makes a good half-day outing: you can combine it with time in Basel itself, which offers its own museums, its riverside and its old quarters. For opening times, prices and any current exhibitions, it is best to check directly with the museum, which can be reached by phone at +41 61 645 97 00.