Switzerland Guide
Basel
Fondation Beyeler
If you have to pick just one of Basel's many top-rated museums to visit, go for the gallery run by Fondation Beyeler. A masterfully elegant building, designed by Renzo Piano, houses a small but exceptionally high-quality art collection featuring some of the best works by some of the twentieth century's greatest artists – Picasso, Giacometti, Warhol, Rothko, Rodin, Klee, Kandinsky, Bacon, Miró and more. Both Matisse's paper cutouts (Nu bleu and others) and Mondrian's geometric abstractions – familiar from innumerable posters and T-shirts – still have the power to startle as full-size originals, as do Mark Tobey's crazed White Journey and Oncoming White.
For some gentle relief, sink into a huge white sofa opposite a giant Monet to indulge in dreamy contemplation both of the waterlilies in front of you and, through the floor-to-ceiling window, the watery gardens outside.
Address: Baselstrasse 101, Riehen
Opening time: Daily 10am–6pm, Wed until 8pm
Price: Fr.21; Mon & after 5pm Wed Fr.12
Website: www.beyeler.com