ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Museo Tinguely Basel celebrates 25 years with a cruise

exhibition · 2026-04-27

In 2021, the Museo Tinguely in Basel marked its 25th anniversary. The museum, designed by Mario Botta, is home to the most extensive collection of Jean Tinguely's art, a prominent figure in Nouveau Réalisme who passed away in 1991. Among the collection are early assemblages and significant pieces, including the interactive artwork "Mengele-Dance of Death" (1986), created in just one week from remnants of a fire near his studio. This piece, which reflects on themes of suffering and mortality, utilized materials from a farm linked to Josef Mengele's relatives. It was first shown at Palazzo Grassi in 1987 and became part of the museum's collection in 1996. To celebrate, a boat cruise was arranged from Basel to Paris, Antwerp, Maastricht, and Amsterdam.

Key facts

  • Museo Tinguely Basel celebrated 25 years in 2021.
  • The museum was designed by Mario Botta.
  • It holds the largest collection of Jean Tinguely's works.
  • Tinguely was a member of Nouveau Réalisme.
  • The collection includes pieces made with Niki de Saint Phalle.
  • "Mengele-Dance of Death" (1986) is a key interactive work.
  • The work uses debris from a 1986 fire in Neyruz.
  • The museum organized a cruise to Paris, Antwerp, Maastricht, and Amsterdam.

Entities

Artists

  • Jean Tinguely
  • Mario Botta
  • Arman
  • Yves Klein
  • Rotella
  • Spoerri
  • Niki de Saint Phalle
  • Josef Mengele

Institutions

  • Museo Tinguely
  • Palazzo Grassi
  • Fondation Beyeler
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Basel
  • Switzerland
  • Rhine
  • Neyruz
  • Paris
  • Antwerp
  • Maastricht
  • Amsterdam
  • Auschwitz

Sources