Museum Tinguely - a room filled with lots of vases on display
1 / 10

Museum Tinguely

4.5
·3k reviews·Basel, Switzerland

Explore the whimsical, kinetic sculptures of Jean Tinguely. A playful, interactive museum experience that sparks imagination and joy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursdays after 6 PM

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Museum Tinguely - a room filled with lots of vases on display

Museum Tinguely

Best Time

Thursdays after 6 PM

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the whimsical, kinetic sculptures of Jean Tinguely. A playful, interactive museum experience that sparks imagination and joy.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"Super unique place, interesting experience, mega cool atmosphere and friendly staff. Definitely must visit museum."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Thursday Evenings

Enjoy free entry every Thursday from 6 PM onwards. A great tip for budget travelers!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive machines make it a hit with children. Great for sparking conversations about art.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kinetic Sculptures

Kinetic Sculptures

Experience Jean Tinguely's whimsical, moving artworks made from scrap metal and found objects. Mesmerizing and thought-provoking!

Interactive Machines

Interactive Machines

Many exhibits invite you to push buttons and see the art come to life. A playful and engaging way to explore modern art.

Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary Exhibitions

Beyond Tinguely, discover rotating displays of other contemporary artists, offering fresh perspectives.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Thursdays: A Budget Traveler's Dream

Score free admission to Museum Tinguely every Thursday after 6 PM! It's a fantastic way to experience Jean Tinguely's kinetic sculptures without breaking the bank, perfect for students or budget-conscious visitors.

Interactive Art for All Ages

This isn't your typical quiet art museum. Many of Jean Tinguely's machines are interactive, making it a unique and engaging experience, especially for families with children looking for something out of the ordinary.

Best Times

When
Thursdays after 6 PM
Why
Free admission!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hello everyone, i was thinking to spend a daytrip with my girlfriend in Basel, is it worth to spend a day there and what kind of things we can visit there and have Basel a good, cheap and fast connection to Mühlhausen in france ?

🎯 Free Thursday Evenings

Enjoy free entry every Thursday from 6 PM onwards. A great tip for budget travelers! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive machines make it a hit with children. Great for sparking conversations about art. Reddit

reddit.com

Must see and do in Basel, first time visit

reddit.com

What to see and do on a trip to Basel?

☕ Cafe Break

The cafe offers a nice spot to rest, with great chocolate banana treats. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shop Gems

Don't miss the souvenir shop – it has a surprisingly great selection of unique items. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting tomorrow for an afternoon; what to see, what to avoid?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Thursday Evenings

Enjoy free entry every Thursday from 6 PM onwards. A great tip for budget travelers! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive machines make it a hit with children. Great for sparking conversations about art. Reddit

☕ Cafe Break

The cafe offers a nice spot to rest, with great chocolate banana treats. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shop Gems

Don't miss the souvenir shop – it has a surprisingly great selection of unique items. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Museum Tinguely for its unique, interactive, and fun experience, especially for families. The kinetic sculptures are a major draw, offering a playful departure from traditional art. While some find the machines' movement inconsistent, the overall atmosphere is described as 'mega cool' and engaging.

"Might be too slow for the kids today but it was nice to slow down soo how imagination can create art out of trash.

We really enjoyed the souvenir shop (great selection!) and the cafe which was a nice place to rest after walking around. They had no food except for ice pops but the chocolate banana was great. The"

UnDiplomatic Wife

"Super unique place, interesting experience, mega cool atmosphere and friendly staff. Definitely must visit museum.
Every Thursday it is open till 21:00 and it is free of charge after 18:00."

Ye Pe

"Well it was a nice museum, something out of the ordinary. There were many art pieces like paintings and other art pieces and at the end where more machines but there where times when the machine would move and other moments not. But overall a good experience!"

Michal Zalewski

What People Like

Unique interactive art
Fun for families
Mega cool atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent machine movement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Museum Tinguely is located on the Dreispitz industrial site. You can reach it by tram (lines 10 or 11 to the 'Dreispitz' stop) or by bus. If driving, there is parking available nearby. Reddit

Yes, Museum Tinguely is well-served by public transport. Tram lines 10 and 11 stop directly at 'Dreispitz', making it easy to access from the city center. Reddit

If you have a BaselCard, you can enjoy free public transport within Basel, making it very convenient to reach Museum Tinguely. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near Museum Tinguely, which is helpful if you're arriving by car. Reddit

While possible, it's a bit of a walk from the absolute city center. Taking public transport is generally recommended for efficiency. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Standard admission prices apply, but a great tip is that Museum Tinguely offers free entry every Thursday after 6 PM. Reddit

Yes, visitors with a BaselCard often receive a 50% discount on admission. Additionally, Thursdays after 6 PM are free for everyone. Reddit

Museum Tinguely is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. It's known for staying open late on Thursdays, often until 9 PM. Reddit

For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary. However, for special events or during peak times, it might be advisable. Thursdays after 6 PM are free and generally don't require advance booking. Reddit

Absolutely! The interactive nature of Jean Tinguely's machines makes it a very engaging and fun experience for children. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum primarily features the kinetic sculptures of Jean Tinguely, which are playful, often noisy, and made from scrap materials. It also hosts temporary exhibitions of other modern artists. Reddit

Not all machines are in constant motion. Some require interaction, while others move periodically, adding to the surprise and engagement of the visit. Reddit

Many of the kinetic sculptures are designed to be interactive, meaning you can often push buttons or engage with them to see them move. Always follow signage and staff instructions. Reddit

The atmosphere is often described as unique, mega cool, and playful. It's a departure from traditional museums, with a lively and engaging vibe. Reddit

Information on Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized, but it's always a good idea to check with the museum staff upon arrival or their official website. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Museum Tinguely has a cafe that serves drinks and light snacks. While they might not offer full meals, it's a pleasant spot to rest. Reddit

The cafe offers refreshments. One visitor mentioned a great chocolate banana treat, but noted limited food options beyond ice pops. Reddit

The museum is located on the Dreispitz site, which is developing into a mixed-use area. You may find dining options in the vicinity or back in the city center. Reddit

Typically, museums discourage eating inside exhibition areas. It's best to enjoy any personal snacks or meals in designated areas like the cafe or outside. Reddit

Yes, the cafe is described as a nice place to rest after exploring the exhibits, offering a pleasant atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or during temporary exhibitions. Reddit

Flash photography is usually discouraged in art museums to protect the artworks. It's advisable to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted. Reddit

The kinetic sculptures themselves, especially when in motion, make for dynamic and unique photographs. The interactive elements also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Tripods and selfie sticks can sometimes obstruct pathways or other visitors. It's best to inquire at the information desk if you plan to use them. Reddit

Look for areas where the machines are actively moving or where you can capture the full scale of the installations. The interplay of light and shadow on the metal sculptures can also be striking. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museum Tinguely is a fantastic choice for families! The interactive machines are a huge hit with children, turning a museum visit into an exciting adventure. Kids can push buttons and watch the art come alive, making it a memorable and fun experience. It's a great way to introduce children to modern art in a way that's accessible and engaging, sparking their imagination and curiosity. Reddit

Beyond the interactive elements, the museum's cafe offers a nice spot for a break, and the souvenir shop has unique finds. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds, or take advantage of the free Thursday evenings if your schedule allows. The unique nature of Tinguely's art can also open up great conversations about creativity and how things are made. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers & Students

For those watching their wallets, Museum Tinguely offers a brilliant opportunity: free admission every Thursday after 6 PM! This makes it an incredibly accessible cultural experience. If you have a BaselCard, you'll also likely receive a 50% discount on regular admission prices, further enhancing its budget-friendliness. Reddit

Even without these discounts, the unique and engaging nature of the exhibits provides excellent value. The cafe offers a place to refuel without needing to leave the museum, and the souvenir shop, while not a budget option, has a great selection if you're looking for a special memento. Planning your visit around the free Thursday evening is a top tip for maximizing your savings. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Modern Art Lovers

Museum Tinguely offers a unique perspective on modern art, focusing on the playful and kinetic works of Jean Tinguely. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the innovative use of materials and the mechanical ingenuity behind his sculptures. The museum provides a deep dive into Tinguely's artistic philosophy, which often challenged conventional art forms and embraced a spirit of playful rebellion. Reddit

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum's commitment to hosting temporary exhibitions of other contemporary artists ensures a dynamic and evolving experience. This makes it a worthwhile destination for those interested in the broader landscape of modern and contemporary art. The interactive nature of many exhibits also offers a fresh way to engage with art, moving beyond passive observation. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Genius of Jean Tinguely

Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was a Swiss sculptor best known for his kinetic art – machines that were often chaotic, self-destructive, and humorous. His work challenged traditional notions of art by embracing movement, sound, and even absurdity. Tinguely's creations, often built from scrap metal and industrial waste, were a commentary on the mechanization of society and the absurdity of modern life. He famously created 'Homage to New York' (1960), a machine designed to self-destruct in a spectacular fashion at the Museum of Modern Art. Reddit

Museum Tinguely is dedicated to showcasing his extensive body of work, offering visitors a chance to witness these fascinating, often whimsical, contraptions in action. The museum itself is designed to complement the art, providing a space where the playful and experimental spirit of Tinguely's creations can truly shine. It's an experience that goes beyond passive viewing, inviting engagement and sparking curiosity about the intersection of art, engineering, and humor. Reddit

Experiencing the Interactive Art

One of the most captivating aspects of Museum Tinguely is its emphasis on interactive art. Unlike many traditional museums where touching exhibits is forbidden, Tinguely's machines often invite participation. Visitors can push buttons, pull levers, and witness the sculptures come to life with whirring gears, clanking metal, and surprising movements. This hands-on approach makes the museum incredibly engaging, especially for younger visitors who might find static displays less captivating. Reddit

This interactivity transforms the museum visit into a playful exploration. It encourages visitors to think about how things work and to appreciate the ingenuity behind Tinguely's designs. The element of surprise – not knowing exactly how a machine will react – adds to the fun. It's a fantastic way to demystify modern art and show that art can be fun, dynamic, and even a little bit silly. Reddit

Beyond Tinguely: Temporary Exhibitions

While Jean Tinguely's works are the permanent stars, Museum Tinguely also serves as a vibrant hub for temporary exhibitions featuring other contemporary artists. These rotating displays offer a fresh perspective and broaden the museum's artistic scope, ensuring that repeat visits can offer new discoveries. The museum has hosted exhibitions from a diverse range of artists, showcasing different mediums and artistic approaches. Reddit

These temporary shows are curated to align with the museum's spirit of innovation and engagement, often exploring themes related to technology, movement, or playful artistic expression. They provide an excellent opportunity to discover emerging artists or delve deeper into specific movements within modern and contemporary art. Checking the museum's schedule before your visit is recommended to see what special exhibitions are currently on display. Reddit

You may also like