Kunsthalle, Basel

The Kunsthalle in Basel has been at the vanguard of the contemporary art scene since 1872, nearly a century before Art Basel came to town. When June rolls around and the city plays host to the largest modern art fair in the world, the Kunsthalle is inevitably the place where artists, collectors, and enthusiasts come to discuss the day’s dealings.

Since its renovation in 2004 by the architectural firm, Miller & Maranta, this exhibition space for contemporary art has appropriately been modernized. The floors have been refurbished and the lower rooms on the first floor have made way for a more open space fit for larger showrooms.

When their exhibitions and library are closed, many well-to-do Swiss frequent the Kunsthalle restaurant, which serves reliable fare in a formal setting. However, the real place to be is their new Campari Bar which has proven to be a hit with locals and tourists alike.

During their busy summer hours, visitors are encouraged to take their drinks to the beautiful outdoor garden and sip under the shade of their chestnut trees.

With the recent opening of the new Projekt 13 exhibit featuring the likes of Jos de Gruyter and Harald Thys, you’ll have an excuse to beat the summer crowds and visit Basel until mid March. After the show, pretend you’re a local patron of the arts and order a negroni at the bar.

For more information, visit: www.kunsthallebasel.ch

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by Trafton Kenney
Gloobbi Art
Painting: Jos de Gruyter & Harald Thys
Ohne Titel/Untitled, 2008
Zeichnung/Drawing
Courtesy die Künstler/the artists; Gallery
Dépendance, Brüssel/Brussels; Isabella Bortolozzi, Berlin

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