Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

The Museum für Gestaltung Zürich is the leading Swiss museum for design and visual communication. Since its foundation in 1875, the museum has included what has taken effect as design. Its internationally acclaimed collection comprises over half a million objects from the history of design. The museum reaches a broad national and international audience, at its two sites in Zurich and through its touring exhibitions. As part of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich is actively involved in research and teaching and produces its own publications on a regular basis.

This museum greets you in the following languages: D/F/E
Opening 1875

Current exhibitions

Design Laboratory: Materials and Technology

28.06.2019 - 06.09.2020

Ceramics dripping from a 3D printer? Clothing that helps one get up? Bacteria instead of leather for a shoe? What sounds like science fiction is already within reach. Not only in the laboratory, but also in design, material issues are more relevant today than ever due to digitization and the quest for greater sustainability. To this end, designers are increasingly working in teams with scientists from the fields of biotechnology and materials technology.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D

Énergie animale

14.02.2020 - 25.10.2020

Designers have always used animal materials and forms to create artistic worlds of images and objects. The exhibition explores animals on the human body, in living areas, and on the plate and addresses current themes like veganism.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E

Switzerland in World Format

12.05.2020 - 31.12.2021

One special feature of the Swiss poster is the "world format" (128 × 90.5 cm), which established itself as the standard format only in Switzerland. The 80 posters on display invite visitors to saunter through the history of Swiss posters.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E

It's Not Complicated

12.05.2020 - 27.09.2020

The precise solutions developed by the Zurich design agency Norm are characterized by strict design rules like grids, proportions, and modularity. Their exhibition examines the most fundamental elements and laws of graphic design.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E

Collection Highlights

12.05.2020 - 31.12.2020

Mit über 1500 Highlights aus der international bedeutenden Sammlung lädt das Museum im neuen Saal im Untergeschoss an der Ausstellungsstrasse ein, die Welt der schönen, nützlichen und kuriosen Alltagsdinge zu entdecken.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D

Next exhibition(s)

Le Corbusier and Zürich

09.06.2020 - 29.11.2020

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The Museum für Gestaltung Zürich is dedicating its second exhibition at the Pavillon Le Corbusier to the relationship between the Swiss architect of the century and the city of Zurich – the most important platform for his international reputation.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/I/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/I/E

Wild Thing – Swiss Fashion Scene

10.07.2020 - 01.11.2020

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Alongside the renowned textile industry, a lively fashion scene is flourishing in Switzerland, testing its potential far away from the fashion hubs. The exhibition juxtaposes its designs with those of influential labels from earlier decades.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/I/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/I/E

Lee Miller – A Photographer Between War and Glamor

28.08.2020 - 03.01.2021

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Elizabeth "Lee" Miller was an outstanding photographer and a strong, modern woman. Miller did not bother with conventions, neither privately nor professionally, and went her own way as an artist, portrait photographer, and war reporter.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E

Alexey Brodovitch: The First Art Director

28.08.2020 - 10.01.2021

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Alexey Brodovitch made design history — as a teacher and as role model for legendary photographers like Richard Avedon or as an art director of the fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar. The exhibition traces the career of this influential designer.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D

Total Space

23.10.2020 - 20.06.2021

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In museums across the globe, elaborate stage sets and expansive installations are spellbinding visitors. Total Space traces this development in an up-to-date survey and creates a multi-layered world of experience that can be explored with all the senses.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E

MyCollection: Bruno Monguzzi

23.10.2020 - 14.02.2021

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Graphic artist Bruno Monguzzi presents his personal highlights from the museum's extensive collection. The exhibition combines traditional craftsmanship and modern design consciousness to create timeless inspiration, particularly for young people.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/F/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D/F/E