Art, Architecture & Watchmaking

Switzerland has a density of world-class museums and architecture that is astonishing for a country of its size.

Great Swiss Artists

• Paul Klee (1879–1940): One of the most influential artists of the 20th century — his abstract, color-intensive works can be seen in Bern at the Zentrum Paul Klee (Renzo Piano building, 20 CHF) in the world's largest Klee collection (4,000 works!).
• Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966): His slender, existential bronze figures are among the most expensive sculptures in the world. Best collection at the Kunsthaus Zürich.
• Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918): The most important Swiss painter — his alpine and lake paintings define Swiss landscape painting. Major works at the Kunstmuseum Bern.
• Jean Tinguely (1925–1991): The "machine artist" from Basel — his kinetic sculptures (moving machines made from scrap) can be seen at the Museum Tinguely in Basel (18 CHF, designed by Mario Botta).

Architecture Stars

• Le Corbusier (1887–1965): Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Jura), he became the most influential architect of the 20th century. His birthplace and his first work (Villa Fallet) can be visited.
• Herzog & de Meuron (Basel): Pritzker Prize winners, creators of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest), the Tate Modern in London, and the Schaulager in Basel.
• Peter Zumthor (Graubünden): Pritzker Prize winner, master of minimalist construction. His Therme Vals (made of Vals quartzite, in Val Lumnezia) is a pilgrimage site for architecture.
• Mario Botta (Ticino): Postmodern architect — church in Mogno (Maggia Valley), Museum Tinguely (Basel), Mineral Bath Rigi Kaltbad.

Watchmaking

The Swiss watch industry is an art form: From Rolex (Geneva) to Patek Philippe (Geneva), Omega (Biel), TAG Heuer (La Chaux-de-Fonds) to IWC (Schaffhausen) — the most valuable watch brands in the world come from Switzerland. The International Watch Museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds (15 CHF) displays 4,500 timepieces from 5 centuries. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "watchmaking city".

Swiss Graphic Design

The Helvetica — the most widely used typeface in the world — was designed in Zurich in 1957. The "Swiss School" of graphic design (International Typographic Style, grid system, clear forms) has influenced all Western design. The Museum of Design in Zurich (12 CHF) is dedicated to this tradition.