Kunsthaus Zürich to Present New Bührle Collection Exhibition Examining Nazi-Era Provenance
The Facts
The Kunsthaus Zürich will open a new exhibition of the Emil Bührle Collection on November 3, 2026, running for at least one year, titled 'A Future for the Past. The Bührle Collection: Art, Context, War and Conflict.' The presentation examines the historical context of the collection's genesis, juxtaposing differing interpretations to highlight dilemmas around provenance, looted art, and cultural property confiscated due to Nazi persecution. The collection, on long-term loan since autumn 2021, includes works from Dutch Old Masters to Manet, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, and has sparked debate over Emil Georg Bührle's ties to the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft and Switzerland's role in World War II.
The Signal
The exhibition marks a shift in curatorial approach, with Kunsthaus Director Ann Demeester stating the museum aims to address controversial issues and connect history to the present. An interdisciplinary team including art historians, provenance researchers, and a scientific advisory panel will guide the presentation, which includes a resonance space and public dialogue. The museum plans an international conference in spring 2024 with the Museum Rietberg and Swiss National Museum on presenting complex histories. This initiative reflects growing institutional pressure to transparently address Nazi-era acquisitions and engage multiple perspectives.
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- People: Ann Demeester, Philippe Büttner, Franziska Lentzsch, Ioana Jimborean, Joachim Sieber, Sibyl Kraft, Nikola Doll, Muriel Gerstner, Sarah Kenderdine, Matthieu Leimgruber, Stefanie Mahrer, Thomas Meyer, Angeli Sachs
- Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich, Museum Rietberg, Swiss National Museum
- Locations: Zürich
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