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Tuesday, June 30, 2026 · No. 180
Kunsthaus Zürich to Reopen Collection Rooms in March and April After Fire and Asbestos Removal
Photo by aiden patrissi on Unsplash

Kunsthaus Zürich to Reopen Collection Rooms in March and April After Fire and Asbestos Removal

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Museum Kunsthaus Zürich Jun 30, 2026

On January 25, 2023, Kunsthaus Zürich announced that all sections of its collection will reopen between March and April 2023, following a fire in the packing room in August 2022. The fire led to the closure of many collection rooms, prompting refurbishment of ceilings, floors, and walls, as well as the relocation and cleaning of artworks. During cleaning, traces of asbestos were found on concealed building components, though no airborne particles were detected, posing no danger to visitors or staff. The building's owner, Stiftung Zürcher Kunsthaus, commissioned an audit of the building fabric in evacuated areas from the 1910s and 1970s, leading to additional repairs and acoustic improvements in the entrance hall. The entrance hall and passage to the Müller building, featuring Alberto Giacometti and Pop Art, are set to reopen in early March, followed by the Moser building, housing Old Masters, Swiss art, and works by Henry Fuseli, Ferdinand Hodler, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Edvard Munch, and the Nabis, in early April. New acquisitions by Ella Littwitz, Robert Rauschenberg, Hiwa K, Sylvie Fleury, and Marlene McCarty will debut. Meanwhile, the Chipperfield building remains open, displaying Dada, French, and contemporary art, along with private collections, and will host the exhibition 'Fuseli. Fashion – Fetishism – Fantasy' opening February 24, 2023.

The Signal

The phased reopening signals a strategic recovery for Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Switzerland's leading museums, after a disruptive incident that could have eroded visitor confidence. By addressing both fire damage and asbestos proactively, the institution prioritizes long-term safety and preservation, a move that reassures collectors and lenders about the care of their works. The debut of recent acquisitions, including works by Robert Rauschenberg and Hiwa K, underscores the museum's commitment to expanding its contemporary holdings, potentially attracting new audiences. The temporary closure also allowed for acoustic upgrades in the Moser foyer, enhancing the visitor experience. For collectors, the reopening schedule offers a clear timeline to plan visits, while the inclusion of new acquisitions signals the museum's active collecting strategy, which may influence market interest in the featured artists.

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  • Artists: Alberto Giacometti, Henry Fuseli, Ferdinand Hodler, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Edvard Munch, Ella Littwitz, Robert Rauschenberg, Hiwa K, Sylvie Fleury, Marlene McCarty
  • People: Björn Quellenberg
  • Museums: Kunsthaus Zürich
  • Locations: Zürich
  • Prices: CHF 135, CHF 225, CHF 40, CHF 18, CHF 14, CHF 23, CHF 17

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Originally via Kunsthaus Zürich · Curated by The Cultural Signal
Photo by aiden patrissi on Unsplash

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