Kunsthaus Zürich Reports 539,500 Visitors in 2025, Loss Narrows to CHF 1.43M
The Facts
Kunsthaus Zürich announced on June 9, 2026, that its annual general meeting held on June 8, 2026, approved the 2025 annual report and financial statements. The museum recorded over 539,500 visitors in 2025, its second-highest attendance ever, making it the most visited art museum in Switzerland. The 2025 financial year closed with a loss of CHF 1,425,684, an improvement from the prior year's CHF 1,529,490 and better than budgeted, largely due to a one-time gain from the sale of a work in a restitution settlement with heirs of collector Carl Sachs. The board saw changes: Corine Mauch's term ended May 27, 2026, and Suzanne Naef Thalmann succeeded her; Dr. Ulrich Sigg was re-elected for three years.
The Signal
The structural deficit remains a central challenge, driven by higher operating costs for the expanded Chipperfield building, particularly in personnel, security, and infrastructure. The museum has applied for increased city subsidies, approved by the city council in spring 2026, with a public vote expected in autumn 2026. Membership fees will rise an average of 10% from 2027. The museum targets a balanced budget by end of 2027. The restitution sale, conducted under ICOM guidelines, underscores the museum's commitment to provenance research and ethical practice, while the attendance figures affirm its public relevance. For collectors and institutions, the report signals a museum navigating financial pressures through a mix of public funding, private support, and operational efficiency, while maintaining strong visitor engagement.
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- Artists: Jeffrey Gibson, Monster Chetwynd
- People: Dr. Ulrich Sigg, Corine Mauch, Suzanne Naef Thalmann, Carl Sachs
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
- Locations: Zürich
- Prices: CHF 1,425,684, CHF 1,529,490
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