Traveling throughout Switzerland is an exhilarating experience. Awash in natural beauty like splendid rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and, of course, the dramatic high peaks of the Alps, it is easy to overlook the cultural aspects of the country. To satisfy your need for art one of the top places to visit is Bundner Kunstmuseum in the charming alpine town of Chur. Also known as Graubünden Art Museum, this attraction boasts an attention-grabbing cube-shaped exterior and showcases a fine gallery of local contemporary and modern art. This museum’s setting is divine: nestled in a historic and classic 19th-century villa called Villa Planta. To prepare for your visit we’ve put together a guide to Bundner Kunstmuseum, Chur.
Highlights
Giacometti family collection
The heart of the museum’s collection is the artwork by the distinguished Giacometti clan. From the family’s patriarch Giovanni Giacometti to his sons Alberto and Diego to the family’s distant relative Augusto, this group left an impressive artistic legacy. Admire the bold colors Giovanni Giacometti used in his paintings, gaze at beautiful paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, contemplate Augusto’s early-abstract productions and brilliant stained glass, and check out the imaginative furniture designs by Diego Giacometti.
Angelika Kauffmann
One of the greatest female artists of the 18th century and one of the first women artists to receive recognition by the Royal Academy in London is Angelika Kauffmann. A native of Chur, Angelika is best known for her Neoclassical portraits of the British elite and her painting entitled Self-portrait with Minerva from 1780, along with a collection of other works, hangs in this museum.
Expressionism
Of the museum’s unique and rare collection of about 8,000 works from the 18th century to the present day, it is Expressionism that is Bundner Kunstmueum’s main focus. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner is considered the granddaddy of Swiss Expressionism so you’re sure to discover many of the artist’s most-celebrated and striking paintings here.
What to eat
Museumscafe Chur
Museumscafe Chur is a trendy eatery situated in a lovely glass-encased area of the Villa Planta. During warmer weather, many visitors take a seat outdoors under a cluster of leafy, age-old sequoias. This delightful cafe serves light, regional fare boasting big flavors. So whether you order a hot bowl of soup, a fresh seasonal salad, or a delicious local favorite like tartare you’re sure to enjoy a scrumptious meal.
Ratushof (nearby)
Opening its doors in 1924, Ratushof is a highly regarded establishment on Chur’s culinary landscape. Only two minutes away from the museum, patrons can select classic Swiss cuisine items from an inexpensive menu that changes daily. For a hearty meal, try the tasty chicken-breaded schnitzel with French fries, the succulent smoked ham, or a juicy game-skewer option with flavorful bacon and fresh mushrooms in a savory cream sauce. The atmosphere is casual and the breezy, sunny terrace is the ideal spot to relax and sip a fine glass of wine after a day at the museum.
Things to buy
Located in the museum’s foyer, Bundner Kunstmuseum’s gift store may not be packed with traditional souvenirs and trinkets but it does offer a wonderful and well-stocked collection of handsome art books and colorful art-related postcards featuring the most famous works from the museum’s exhibits.
Travelers tips
Wheelchair accessibility
This museum is a barrier-free facility and wheelchair accessible. Every museum room can be reached via an elevator. Guests in need can borrow a wheelchair at the museum’s main desk. The restrooms are also designed for the disabled. For the visually impaired, seeing-eye canines are allowed in the museum.
Exhibit information
Very informative leaflets about the various exhibitions and displays are available in English.
Swiss Travel Pass
If you’re traveling extensively throughout Switzerland invest in a Swiss Travel Pass and you can receive free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions including Bundner Kunstmuseum!
How to get there
Walk
Chur is a tiny town and can be easily covered on foot. If you’re exploring the charming Old Town area - which is nicely pedestrianized - then you can stroll to Bundner Kunstmuseum.
Rent a car
If you choose to rent a car and drive to the museum then head to the following address: Bahnhofstrasse 35, 7000 Chur, Switzerland.
Public transport
The museum is a three-minute walk from Chur railway station. If you’re traveling the famed Bernina Express it’s just a one-minute walk from the museum. The bus station can be found on the top floor of the Chur railway station and the closest bus stop to the museum is at Forum and Reichsgasse streets.
Taxi
Hailing a taxi off the streets or arranging for a taxi pick-up with the go! app is a simple way to get to this attraction.
Parking information
A sufficient amount of visitors parking is available at two multi-storied parking garages marked City and Stadtbaumgarten. Both structures are conveniently located adjacent to the museum.
How to book tickets
Tickets can be purchased offline at the museum’s on-site box office. Alternatively, hop over to the official website to learn more.
Bundner Kunstmuseum information
Bundner Kunstmuseum
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 35, 7000 Chur, Switzerland
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 11 - 16 USD
Official website: Bundner Kunstmuseum, Chur
Department of tourism: Switzerland
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to