The Facts
Kunsthaus Zürich will reopen its collection rooms in stages starting in early March 2023, following a fire in the packing room on August 2–3, 2022. The blaze forced the closure of several galleries and prompted the removal of some 700 paintings and sculptures for appraisal and soot cleaning. During refurbishment, traces of asbestos were discovered on concealed building components, though no airborne particles were detected, and officials said there was never a danger to visitors or staff. The Moser foyer will also undergo acoustic improvements. The entrance hall and Müller building—housing Alberto Giacometti and Pop Art—are scheduled to reopen at the start of March, followed by the Moser building with Old Masters, Swiss art, and works by Henry Fuseli, Ferdinand Hodler, Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, and Edvard Munch, plus contemporary interventions, at the start of April. Newly acquired works by Ella Littwitz, Robert Rauschenberg, Hiwa K, Sylvie Fleury, and Marlene McCarty will debut.
The Signal
The phased reopening marks a significant step in the museum’s recovery from an incident that disrupted access to one of Switzerland’s most important collections. The inclusion of recent acquisitions alongside familiar highlights signals an active acquisition program despite the closure. For collectors, the reopening reinforces the institution’s commitment to preserving and expanding its holdings, while the asbestos remediation and acoustic upgrades demonstrate long-term stewardship. The delay, though frustrating for visitors, allowed the museum to address hidden structural issues that might otherwise have gone untreated.
- 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
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