Novartis Pavillon - a red building with windows
1 / 10

Novartis Pavillon

4.7
·242 reviews·Basel, Switzerland

Experience a futuristic journey through drug discovery with cutting-edge tech and stunning circular architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Novartis Pavillon - a red building with windows

Novartis Pavillon

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a futuristic journey through drug discovery with cutting-edge tech and stunning circular architecture.

4.7
(242 reviews)

"It's simply amazing, straight from a sci-fi movie. An absolute must-visit if in Basel."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Hassles

Underground parking is nearby but poorly indicated. Look for signs for the main campus entrance.

✨ Interactive Tech

Embrace the AR and touchscreens; they're key to the futuristic learning experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Futuristic Interactive Exhibits

Futuristic Interactive Exhibits

Experience AR and touchscreens bringing the science of drug discovery to life. It's an immersive, sci-fi-like journey.

Striking Circular Architecture

Striking Circular Architecture

Marvel at the 'doughnut' building's unique design, featuring glass and 3D-printed LEDs for a light, airy feel.

Rhein River Views from Cafe

Rhein River Views from Cafe

Enjoy exquisite mint tea and perfect views of the Rhein from the well-stocked cafe.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Interactive Learning Experience

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge technology that makes learning about active compounds and their development engaging and futuristic. Prepare for an experience straight out of science fiction.

Architectural Marvel

Admire the 'doughnut' building, a striking circular design by Italian architect De Lucchi. Its innovative use of glass and 3D-printed LEDs creates a light and airy atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Late mornings
Why
Enjoy the cafe before crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Parking Hassles

Underground parking is nearby but poorly indicated. Look for signs for the main campus entrance. Reddit

✨ Interactive Tech

Embrace the AR and touchscreens; they're key to the futuristic learning experience. Reddit

☕ Cafe Views

Don't miss the cafe for great Rhein views and a taste of their mint tea. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be standing and interacting, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Hassles

Underground parking is nearby but poorly indicated. Look for signs for the main campus entrance. Reddit

✨ Interactive Tech

Embrace the AR and touchscreens; they're key to the futuristic learning experience. Reddit

☕ Cafe Views

Don't miss the cafe for great Rhein views and a taste of their mint tea. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be standing and interacting, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(242 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Novartis Pavillon's incredibly interactive and futuristic exhibition, likening it to stepping into a sci-fi movie. The stunning, circular architecture and the well-designed cafe with Rhein views are also major highlights. Some minor points of friction include less-than-ideal parking signage.

"Very good use of technologies to make the experience interactive and strengthen learning. Beautifully designed building. Great lighting systems. Good bicycle parking spots. Well tasting mint tea. Clean everywhere. Thanks."

Frank Calberg

"I guess it's fair to say that this is the best interactive exhibition I have ever visited. It's simply amazing, straight from a sci-fi movie. I am impressed by how AR, and touchscreens everywhere are used to narrate a story of how active compounds are invented, developed, tested, and produced, what diseases are treated, and how it affects lifes of people.
In my opinion, it's an absolute must-visit if in Basel."

Alexander Shein

"Very interesting expo in this surprising building. There is an underground parking at the main entrance of the campus, about 100m away from the Pavillon, but not well indicated, neither on the spot, nor on the website."

Stéphane Rémy

What People Like

Futuristic interactive exhibits
Striking circular architecture
Engaging learning experience

What People Dislike

Poor parking signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Novartis Pavillon is located on the Novartis Campus. Public transport is recommended; tram lines 1 and 8 stop nearby. If driving, there's an underground parking lot at the main campus entrance, though it can be hard to find. Reddit

Yes, there is an underground parking lot at the main entrance of the Novartis Campus, about 100 meters away. However, signage can be poor both on-site and on the website. Reddit

Yes, the Pavillon offers good bicycle parking spots, making it a convenient option for cyclists. :bicycle:

Absolutely! Tram lines 1 and 8 provide convenient access to the Novartis Campus area, making it easy to reach the Pavillon without a car.

Follow signs for the main Novartis Campus entrance. The underground parking is located there, but be prepared for potentially unclear directions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding ticket requirements is not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews. It's advisable to check the official Novartis Pavillon website for the most current admission details and booking procedures. :ticket:

Specific opening hours are not mentioned in the reviews. Visitors should consult the official Novartis Pavillon website for accurate and up-to-date information on operating times. :clock1:

The reviews highlight the interactive exhibition but do not specify an entrance fee. It's recommended to verify this information on their official channels before your visit.

While online booking is common for attractions, the reviews don't confirm this for the Novartis Pavillon. Checking their official website is the best way to find out about advance ticket purchase options. :computer:

No specific special entry requirements are mentioned in the reviews. However, as it's on a corporate campus, it's always wise to be aware of general visitor guidelines. :informationdeskperson:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Pavillon heavily utilizes advanced technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and interactive touchscreens to create a futuristic and engaging learning experience about drug development. Reddit

The interactive nature and futuristic design are likely to appeal to a wide range of ages, especially those interested in science and technology. It's described as an 'absolute must-visit' for those in Basel. Reddit

The building is a striking circular design, often referred to as 'the doughnut,' created by Italian architect De Lucchi. It features extensive use of glass and 3D-printed LEDs. Reddit

Information about guided tours is not provided in the reviews. Visitors interested in this should inquire directly with the Novartis Pavillon. :microphone:

While not specified, the immersive and interactive nature of the exhibition suggests a visit could easily take a couple of hours to fully appreciate. Plan accordingly for a thorough experience.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an exquisite cafe located within the Pavillon that offers perfect views of the Rhein River and serves well-tasting mint tea. Reddit

The cafe is described as well-stocked and offers mint tea, which is specifically mentioned as tasting good. Other offerings are not detailed but it's implied to be a pleasant dining spot. Reddit

The reviews focus on the cafe within the Pavillon. For other dining options on the wider Novartis Campus, it would be best to check campus directories or inquire upon arrival.

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into exhibition spaces is discouraged. It's best to enjoy the offerings at the on-site cafe. :coffee:

Absolutely! The cafe provides a relaxing spot to take a break, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the views of the Rhein. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The reviews don't explicitly state photography rules. However, given the interactive nature and potential for sensitive displays, it's wise to assume photography might be restricted in certain areas. Always look for signage. :camerawithflash:

The striking circular architecture of the building itself, both exterior and interior, is a major photographic draw. The cafe with its Rhein views also offers scenic photo opportunities. Reddit

Photography of interactive exhibits can sometimes interfere with their functionality or be restricted for proprietary reasons. It's best to check for specific guidelines within the exhibition space. :iphone:

As the Novartis Pavillon is located on a corporate campus, drone photography is highly likely to be prohibited due to security and privacy regulations. :noentrysign:

The building features great lighting systems and extensive use of glass, creating a very light and airy interior. This should provide good natural and artificial light for photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Novartis Pavillon offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with science and technology in a fun, futuristic setting. The highly interactive exhibits, powered by AR and touchscreens, are designed to capture the imagination of younger visitors, making complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting. Reddit While specific child-focused activities aren't detailed, the immersive nature of the displays is likely to keep children entertained and curious. The striking architecture itself can also be a point of interest for kids, with its unusual circular shape. Remember to check for any age recommendations or specific family-friendly features on their official website before your visit. :family_child:

💡 Tech Enthusiasts & Science Buffs

For those fascinated by innovation, the Novartis Pavillon is an absolute must-visit. You'll be captivated by the cutting-edge interactive technologies, including AR and advanced touchscreens, that bring the world of pharmaceutical research to life. Reddit The exhibition's narrative on drug discovery is presented in a way that is both informative and awe-inspiring, appealing directly to a scientific curiosity. Beyond the exhibits, the architectural design itself, with its innovative use of glass and 3D-printed LEDs, is a marvel of modern engineering and aesthetics. Reddit Prepare to be impressed by the seamless integration of technology and design. :computer: :microscope:

🏛️ Architecture Admirers

The Novartis Pavillon is a destination in itself for anyone who appreciates contemporary architecture. Designed by Michele De Lucchi, the distinctive circular 'doughnut' building is a visual masterpiece. Reddit Its exterior and interior are celebrated for their crisp design and the innovative use of materials like extensive glass and 3D-printed LEDs, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Reddit Even if you're not deeply interested in the exhibition's scientific content, the building's unique form and aesthetic appeal make it a worthwhile visit. The cafe also offers a pleasant spot to admire the structure and its surroundings. :building_construction: :art:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Innovative Architecture

The Novartis Pavillon is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity, designed by the renowned Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. Its distinctive circular form, earning it the nickname 'the doughnut,' eschews traditional straight lines and corners. The exterior and interior are characterized by a stunning, crisp aesthetic, with De Lucchi also contributing to the interior design, including the furniture. The building's extensive use of glass, complemented by innovative 3D-printed LEDs, floods the space with natural light, creating an exceptionally light and airy ambiance. This architectural approach not only makes the building visually captivating but also enhances the visitor experience by providing a bright and welcoming environment. Reddit

This design philosophy extends to the functionality of the space, which houses a large exhibition area, a well-stocked shop, and an exquisite cafe. The seamless integration of form and function is evident throughout, making the Pavillon a landmark of contemporary design. Visitors often remark on how special and striking the building is, even from the outside, highlighting its immediate visual impact. Reddit

Immersive Technology and Learning

Step inside the Novartis Pavillon and prepare for an experience described as 'straight from a sci-fi movie.' Reddit The exhibition masterfully employs cutting-edge technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR) and ubiquitous touchscreens, to narrate the complex story of active compound invention, development, testing, and production. This interactive approach transforms learning into an engaging, almost game-like, journey. Visitors are not just passive observers; they are active participants in understanding how scientific breakthroughs impact human lives and treat diseases. Reddit

The use of AR and touchscreens is not merely for show; it's integral to strengthening the learning process. By making the experience highly interactive, the Pavillon ensures that information is absorbed more effectively and memorably. This innovative method of scientific communication is what sets the Novartis Pavillon apart, making it one of the most impressive interactive exhibitions many visitors have ever encountered. Reddit

You may also like