Mario Botta's Museum Tinguely in Basel: A Tribute to Kinetic Art

The Museum Tinguely in Basel, designed by architect Mario Botta and supported by Roche since its 1996 opening, houses over 220 works by Swiss kinetic artist Jean Tinguely. The museum was inaugurated for Roche's centenary and built on a 1992 donation of 52 sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle. The building, constructed from 1994 to 1996 along the Rhine in Solitude Park, features four distinct exhibition levels across 2,900 square meters of total 6,000, clad in stone. Director Roland Wetzel emphasizes the museum's role in presenting Tinguely's pioneering work and fostering dialogue with contemporary artists. Recent exhibition 'Roots Canal' by Cyprien Gaillard explored erosion and reconstruction, echoing Tinguely's machines. Upcoming is a double monographic show with Rebecca Horn, focusing on 'Body fantasies' and kinetic sculptures, opening during Art Basel week. The museum also boasts Chez Jeannot restaurant overlooking Basel's only beach.