Museum Tinguely is located on the banks of the Rhine in Basel. Opened in 1996, it was designed by Ticino architect Mario Botta and houses the world’s largest collection of works by the fascinating Swiss artist Jean Tinguely (1925–1991), a key pioneer of international post-war art.

Museum Tinguely’s permanent exhibition gives an overview of Jean Tinguely’s work, covering a period of four decades – from delicate early reliefs through to the monumental machine sculptures of the 1980s.

Did you know that Museum Tinguely offers lots of activities for children, as well as Family Sundays, a Kids’s club, and birthday parties?

Exhibitions & Events at Museum Tinguely

Based on Tinguely’s imaginative universe, Museum Tinguely proposes a diverse programme that always seeks topical dialogue with other artists and art forms, offering an interactive experience that appeals to all of the senses. More than 130 exhibitions (and artistic interventions) have taken place since the opening, featuring Jean Tinguely and the artists he knew, including Niki de Saint Phalle, Yves Klein, and Marcel Duchamp, but also contemporary artists who address socially relevant issues of our time.

The exhibitions are accompanied by a diverse programme of events, opening the museum up to a broad public: from concerts of classical music to DJ sets to family Sundays, from workshops for schools and adults to gatherings for senior citizens.

Museum Tinguely allows visitors to discover art and culture with all of their senses while enjoying a unique location. Surrounded by the picturesque Solitude Park and with access its own stretch of riverbank, it offers an attractive place for recreation and relaxation amid the bustle of city life. The museum’s own bistro, Chez Jeannot, welcomes both visitors to the museum and people strolling along the Rhine.

Activities for children and families in Museum Tinguely

Museum Tinguely offers a variety of programs for families and children:

Public Family Tour through the Jean Tinguely Collection

Every second and last Saturday of the month from 2-3 pm, we offer a public tour specifically for families. This allows the whole family and friends to explore the Jean Tinguely collection, from the youngest to the young at heart.

Family Sundays

Family Sundays take place during major special exhibitions; these are inclusive events and are included in the museum admission.

Kids’ Club

The Kids’ Club is always on the lookout for the latest happenings in the museum and the secrets of art. In the museum, we focus on one artwork, and in the studio, we build, create, and explore using various materials.

The themes change from session to session. Occasionally, we also become reporters, documentary filmmakers, and actors behind the scenes at the Kids’ Club TV!

Jean Tinguely Children’s Birthday Party

Celebrate your birthday amidst the machines of Jean Tinguely! The birthday party includes a guided tour of the museum followed by a hands-on session in the studio.

Parcours through the collection

Our art education team has put together two great parcours of our collection.

1. Follow your nose:

Let your sense of smell be your guide and discover Tinguely’s artworks from a completely different angle. The museum tour in German called «Immer der Nase nach» (follow your nose) will also reveal which type of «sniffer» you are.

The corresponding kit is available at the info desk and, as always, there is no right or wrong in art, just follow your nose.

2. Discover Tinguely by Chance:

Let chance guide you to different works in the collection and encounter exciting questions! The parcours through the collection is aimed at all curious visitors from 6 years and up.

To explore Tinguely’s artworks in a playful, independent way, an inspiring leaflet is now available for both young and old. Roll the dice, draw a card, toss a coin—chance leads to new discoveries and sparks thought-provoking ideas for an engaging museum visit.

Explore all programs, activities and events on:

tinguely.ch/en.html

Museum Tinguely

Paul Sacher-Anlage 1

4058 Basel

Museum: +41 61 681 93 20

Shop: +41 61 688 94 42

Bistro: +41 61 688 94 58

Header photo:
Family Sunday at Museum Tinguely
© 2024 Museum Tinguely Basel;
Photo: Matthias Willi

Is your family relocating to Basel?

Summit Family is the only free magazine offering:

• A complete overview of all private and international schools in the region
• Contributions from the City of Basel, Basel Zoo, Museum Tinguely, and many more
• An overview of sports, leisure and cultural activities for families

Created for families relocating to Basel — and international families already living here — this magazine is a great resource for families with school-aged children.

You can read it online for free here: summit-education.ch

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