ZURICH.- The Kunsthaus Zürich has announced a rich and varied annual programme for 2026. Classic and historic masterpieces engage in dialogue with contemporary art, encouraging new perspectives.

Ann Demeester, Director of the Kunsthaus Zürich: ‘In line with the motto of the installation that Jeffrey Gibson has designed for the foyer of the new Chipperfield building – ‘We continue to change’ – we are presenting a variety of voices and transformations in a programme that reflects the multiplicity of art in its different guises. In 2026 we are looking forward to exciting international and local collaborations as well as unexpected interpretations of our own impressive collection.’

The Kunsthaus Zürich strategically focuses on polyphony and contradictions: from artworks that encourage silent contemplation (Vilhelm Hammershøi and Wolfgang Laib) to works by socially committed, challenging artists from different eras (Félicien Rops, Maria Lassnig and Edvard Munch), from masterful painting (Kerry James Marshall) to impressive installations (Marisol). The 2026 line-up features art that might appear playful and absurd (Monster Chetwynd’s ‘Zardoz’ in the Chipperfield Garden), but also works that celebrate diversity as well as cultural continuity (Jeffrey Gibson in the Haefner Foyer).

The Kunsthaus Zürich’s own collection remains at the vivid core of the institution. In 2026, marking the 125th anniversary of Alberto Giacometti’s birth and the 60th anniversary of his death, new arrangements of the Giacometti collection will be unveiled. Until autumn 2026 the Kunsthaus is proud to present a collection exhibition by Wolfgang Laib, whose works meet highlights of the historic collection, from Fra Angelico to Rothko. Also in 2026 the Kunsthaus Zürich presents as of end of March a re-arrangement of the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle in alignment with ongoing discussions and developments.

RICH AND VARIED PROGRAMME 2026 IN DETAIL

From the end of February: KERRY JAMES MARSHALL. THE HISTORIES

The works of Kerry James Marshall (b. 1955 Birmingham, Alabama) are striking artistic commentaries on the history and lives of the African American community. His large-format paintings are imbued with colour, hope and pain – along with a powerful aesthetic presence.

From March: FÉLICIEN ROPS. LABORATORY OF LUST

The Belgian artist Félicien Rops (1833 Namur – 1898 Essonnes) created provocatively erotic visual worlds that defied the double standards and petty- minded hypocrisy of the 19th century. His works highlight clichés and tensions, with a particular focus on gender roles.

From mid-April: MARISOL

The first major show in Europe presents Marisol (1930 Paris – 2016 New York) as an artist spanning Pop Art, Dada and folk art with an idiosyncratic and visually compelling formal language. Her acerbically witty oeuvre, which also includes many self-portraits, addresses the role of women, social inequality, consumer culture and the mechanisms of power.

From July: VILHELM HAMMERSHØI. THE EYE THAT LISTENS.

Painting has rarely been as simultaneously enigmatic and fascinating as in the work of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864 Copenhagen – 1916 Copenhagen). The paintings of the ‘Vermeer of the North’ depict empty interiors, silent cities and dim light, nurturing a hypnotic calm in peaceful resistance to the stridency of modernity.

From October: MARIA LASSNIG & EDVARD MUNCH. FLOW OF PAINT = FLOW OF LIFE

For the first time, Maria Lassnig (1919 Kappel am Krappfeld – 2014 Vienna) and Edvard Munch (1863 Løten – 1944 Ekely near Oslo) appear in dialogue in a major exhibition. Both artists saw colour as the expression of both physical and mental emotions and existential experiences.

ONGOING: The ‘ReCollect!’ series – currently with a poetic intervention by Wu Tsang and a contemplative presentation by Wolfgang Laib. The participatory ‘Art for All’ programme focuses on Monster Chetwynd’s more than eight-metre-high head ‘Zardoz’, a place for experience and reflection, and Jeffrey Gibson’s site- specific installation in the foyer of the Chipperfield building.

The projects and exhibitions are realized in collaboration with a wide range of partners, at home and abroad.