What is this place

Basel’s Museum Tinguely is a dedicated kinetic-art museum on the Rhine, set in Solitude Park. Opened in 1996 in a building by Mario Botta, it holds the largest collection of Jean Tinguely’s works.

Key features

  • Architecture by Mario Botta 1994–1996 – brick-stone volumes and a lofty central hall sized for monumental machine-sculptures.
  • Collection centred on large sound installations – on view are 1979 “Méta-Harmonie II” and the 1986 “Mengele-Totentanz”.
  • Founded for Roche’s centenary – since 1996 the museum’s operation and Solitude Park have been financed by Roche; Niki de Saint Phalle donated 50 machine-sculptures and archives.
  • Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00, Thu till 21:00, Mon closed; Thu 18:00–21:00 – free admission; under-16s free.
  • Riverside location with direct access to Solitude Park for pre/post-visit strolls.

What to see

  • Kinetic and sound sculptures activated at set times – “Méta-Harmonie II” and the “Mengele-Totentanz”.
  • Rotating exhibitions on modern art and Tinguely’s circle, incl. Niki de Saint Phalle.
  • The generous central hall and glazed fronts with Rhine and park views.

History

Founded in 1996 for Roche’s centenary, the museum was designed by Mario Botta. Niki de Saint Phalle donated 50 machine-sculptures and archival material; since opening, Roche has financed the museum and the upkeep of Solitude Park.

From the outset, room-filling installations have been core – notably “Méta-Harmonie II” (1979) and the dramatic “Mengele-Totentanz” (1986) of metal, light and shadow. Temporary projects regularly broaden the context to Tinguely’s contemporaries.

Practical information

Location: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4058 Basel – right bank of the Rhine, Solitude Park.

Getting there: From Basel SBB take tram 1 or 2 to Wettsteinplatz, then bus 31 or 38 to Tinguely Museum; from Badischer Bahnhof take bus 36.

Access: Step-free access to all exhibition areas; assistance dogs admitted.

Visiting hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00; Thu 11:00–21:00; Mon closed.

Visit duration: 60–120 minutes.

Best time: Thu evenings 18:00–21:00 for free entry; in warm months, pair with a Rhine promenade.

Notes: Tickets: adults CHF 18, students CHF 12, under-16s free; advance online booking advised for popular shows.