As the international art community converges on Art Basel each year, many visitors also seek quieter cultural experiences in Riehen, the leafy suburb north of the Rhine. While Art Basel dominates the city’s exhibition calendar, Riehen offers museums and gardens that pair the calm of green spaces with world-class art.
One of the highlights is the Fondation Beyeler, situated in the parkland of Berowerpark. The Renzo Piano–designed building, opened in the 1990s, is an elegant, mid-century–inspired structure reached easily by tram No. 6 from Basel’s Messeplatz. Inside, the museum presents the superb collection assembled by Ernst and Hildy Beyeler, placing works by modern masters such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso alongside thoughtfully curated contemporary exhibitions. The interplay of classic and contemporary pieces gives the gallery a lively, accessible feel.
Fondation Beyeler gallery’s exterior © Lucaderoma | Dreamstime.com
On an early spring afternoon, after exploring Basel’s main sights, a short tram ride brought me to the Fondation Beyeler. I was particularly drawn to Henri Rousseau’s The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope, a painting that conjures memories of safari landscapes. The gallery’s arched skylights and glass roof bathe the galleries in natural light, enhancing the vivid greens and dramatic composition of Rousseau’s jungle scene.
Riehen’s offerings extend beyond the museum walls. A week before the major June art events, green enthusiasts flock to the Basel Garden Festival in nearby Sarasinpark. This five-day festival evokes the charm of an English landscape garden, with ponds, sweeping lawns, curated arboretums and restored historic buildings. The festival showcases horticultural design and garden culture in a relaxed, scenic setting.
For visitors seeking whimsy and nostalgia, the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) is a short walk away. Said to be one of Switzerland’s largest toy collections, the museum began with the personal assemblage of local architect Hans Peter His. Exhibits trace two centuries of European toy making and include rare shadow-theater figures from the late 18th century and a variety of antique playthings. The collection is presented within the former country residence of Basel’s mayor Johann Rudolf Wettstein, adding historic charm to the displays.
After a day among galleries and gardens, consider a leisurely meal in a country-style setting at Wiesengarten Musetti, a well-regarded restaurant close to the Fondation Beyeler. The menu emphasizes home-cooked Italian dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant way to end an art-filled afternoon in Riehen.
Whether you’re drawn by major exhibitions in Basel or the quieter cultural pockets in nearby Riehen, the area provides a pleasing blend of art, nature and convivial dining—an appealing counterpoint to the bustle of the main fair.