Switzerland's museum of non-European art, set in Rieterpark, with collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania in a historic villa and a modern glass-and-stone annex.
Museum Rietberg is the only museum in Switzerland devoted to non-European art. It occupies Villa Wesendonck, built for the silk merchant Otto Wesendonck, whose guest Richard Wagner lived in a cottage on the estate, and the neighbouring Park-Villa Rieter, joined by the underground Smaragd extension. Collections cover Indian and Chinese art, Japanese woodblocks, African masks, Pre-Columbian ceramics and Oceanic carvings. Temporary exhibitions are often excellent. The park setting, with old trees, lawns and views toward the lake, is a pleasant extra. A visit takes about two hours. On Wednesday evenings the museum opens late, which suits visitors on a tight schedule. The café has a terrace when the weather allows.
| Admission | Adult Approx. CHF 18 (approx $22.50) · Child Free for children and teens (to approx. 16) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, Wed until 8PM; closed Mon |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time | Wednesday evening or weekday morning |
| Getting there | Tram 7 to Museum Rietberg, or S-Bahn to Zürich Enge and walk 8 minutes |
| Address | Gablerstrasse 15, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- art lovers, culture seekers, quiet reflection
Location
Gablerstrasse 15, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3589, 8.5297 View on map
Highlights
- Villa Wesendonck, linked to Richard Wagner's Zürich years
- Collections from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania
- Smaragd underground extension for temporary shows
- Rieterpark with mature trees and lake views
Tips for visiting
- Walk through Rieterpark and Villa Wesendonck, the museum's park setting
- The Smaragd extension houses temporary exhibitions below ground
- Combine with a stop at the lake on foot from Enge
When to visit
Wednesday evening or weekday morning.
Accessibility
Step-free access through the Smaragd extension with lifts; the historic villas have partial access. Staff can advise on the best routes.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum child-friendly?
Yes, entry is free for children and teens and there are family workshops, but check the website for the current schedule.
How far is it from the lake?
About a 10-minute walk from the lakeshore at Enge, so a lakeside stroll can be combined with a visit.