Pavillon Le Corbusier

An architectural icon on the lakefront – the final masterpiece of a modernist legend.

The Pavillon Le Corbusier is a striking modernist structure designed by the architect himself in the 1960s as a “synthesis of his work.” It was his last completed building, made entirely of glass and steel, with a boldly colored facade reflecting his color theory. Today, it operates as a museum dedicated to Le Corbusier’s life, vision, and design philosophy.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Zurich center 44-66 min.

From Lucerne by car ~47 min.

From Basel by car ~1 h 17 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~1 h 53 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~3 h 5 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

The Pavillon Le Corbusier on Lake Zurich in the Zürichhorn park is the architect’s last realized project and his only building made entirely of steel and glass. Since 2019 it has operated as a seasonal museum run by the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.

Key features

Completed in 1967 – Le Corbusier’s final work and the only all-steel-and-glass building in his oeuvre.
Commissioned by Heidi Weber in 1960 – the initial concrete scheme was switched to steel in 1962.
Independent steel “umbrella” roof of two 12×12 m squares (overall 12×26.3 m) raised to ~9 m – sheltering the volume and terrace.
Modulor-based 2.26×2.26×2.26 m cubes; façades of 1.13×2.26 m enamel panels in signature polychromy.
Open April–November; regular ticket CHF 15, reduced CHF 10, under 20 free; free admission on Thursdays after 5 pm.

What to see

An “architectural promenade” via ramp and stair to the sheltered terrace beneath the canopy.
Annual temporary exhibitions on Le Corbusier’s work – graphics, furniture, models, photography; audio guide.
Zürichhorn park and reflecting water around the pavilion – classic viewpoints and photo spots.

History

In 1960, collector Heidi Weber commissioned Le Corbusier to create a museum for his art. The first concrete design soon gave way to steel; construction started in 1964, the architect died in 1965, and the museum opened on 16 July 1967 as the Centre Le Corbusier – Heidi Weber Museum.

Under a 50-year land lease, the site passed to the City in 2014; the current name dates from 2016. Following a major restoration, the pavilion reopened in May 2019 and has since run seasonal exhibitions under the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.

Practical information

Location: Höschgasse 8, 8008 Zurich – Zürichhorn park on the right (east) shore, Seefeld quarter.

Getting there: Trams 2, 4 to Höschgasse; bus 33 to Höschgasse/Fröhlichstrasse; Zürich Stadelhofen station – ~15 minutes on foot; in summer, walk from Zürichhorn boat pier.

Access: Heritage building with partial accessibility: some levels not wheelchair-accessible; strollers not permitted inside; accompanying person admitted free; certified assistance dogs welcome.

Visiting hours: Season 25.04–23.11.2025. Tue–Sun 12:00–18:00; Thu 12:00–20:00; Mon closed. Closed in winter.

Visit duration: 45–90 minutes.

Best time: Dry daylight for the façade polychromy; Thursday evenings – fewer crowds and free entry after 5 pm.

Notes: No on-site parking; the sheltered terrace and roof area are not accessible to those with limited mobility; event rentals possible during the season.

Tours