Architecture in Basel

The Spalentor is the most imposing of the three city gates that were part of the large city fortifications dating back to the year 1400. Many important supplies entered the city of Basel from Alsace through this gate. From here, there is a wonderful view over the roofs of Basel’s old town and the hills of the Jura, the Black Forest and Vosges.

With the new construction of the exhibition center through the Basel-based Herzog & de Meuron star architects, Basel has a new architectonic landmark. And in the context of a guided tour, visitors are able to view the diverse buildings of this impressive exhibition center.

Good architecture is not only self-evident, instead as important to the city as the bend in the Rhine. Here you have buildings by international stars like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid – and the world-famous Basel-based duo Herzog & de Meuron. Anyone keen on architecture is in their element here, and able to follow one of three architectural paths.

The Münster is one of Basel's main sights. Situtated in a promiment position high above the Rhine River, the former episcopal church presides high above the region.

The Carsten Höller slide tower, charming fuel station by Jean Prouvé and more: The architectural quality of all buildings on the Vitra Campus is fascinating. And, faithful to the philosophy of this establishment, it’s not only form that matters instead content and capacity. The Vitra Design Museum is in fact one of the most important exhibition centers for industrial furniture design.

With its charming French gardens and English park with sculptures by Richard Serra – both of which can be enjoyed on Sundays – Villa Wenkenhof is Basel’s answer to Versailles in miniature.

The architects Herzog & de Meuron are world-renowned. Their most significant edifices include the Tate Modern in London and the Olympic Stadium in Beijing.

A detour to the Messeplatz exhibition space in Basel is always worthwhile - even when there’s no large-scale exhibition taking place. The spacious area at the heart of what’s known as Kleinbasel - little Basel, is surrounded by some mind-boggling architecture: The 105 sky-meter-high Morger & Degelo tower - and the new Herzog & de Meuron construction with its “window to the heavens.”