Modern & historical architecture
No other city combines historical architecture with world-class modern architecture like Basel. Buildings by internationally acclaimed architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Christ & Gantenbein, and Renzo Piano stand between the medieval alleyways and the imposing cathedral. In Basel, clients with an interest in culture and bold institutions come together with world-famous architecture firms – resulting in an exceptional concentration of Pritzker Prize winners. This unique dialogue between past and present makes Basel a vibrant setting for architecture.
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Modern architecture
The Novartis Pavillon is a modern, publicly accessible exhibition and event centre on the Novartis Campus. © Novartis
Basel’s modern architecture is internationally pioneering and is reflected in numerous innovative construction projects. It pairs functional aesthetics with urban quality of life, making the city an architectural hotspot.
Exhibition Hall 1 South
The striking exhibition hall, with its slatted façade, characterizes the cityscape around Messeplatz. This building by Herzog & de Meuron combines urban architecture with functionality and has quickly become a modern landmark in Basel.
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Roche Towers
The Roche Towers punctuate Basel’s skyline to impressive effect. These two high-rise buildings by Herzog & de Meuron symbolize innovation and architectural courage and have established themselves as defining landmarks in the city.
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Novartis Pavillon
The Novartis Pavillon combines architecture, science and the public sphere in a unique way. This circular building by AMDL Circle and Michele De Lucchi houses the “Wonders of Medicine” exhibition and invites visitors to go on a journey of discovery. Nestled in the river landscape designed by Vogt, it has become a place of dialogue between researchers and the urban population.
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Werkraum Warteck pp
The Werkraum Warteck pp is revitalizing the former brewery site with studios, restaurants and cultural events. The Burgweg site is an impressive example of how industrial buildings can be preserved, rethought and converted into a lively hub.
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Meret Oppenheim Tower
The Meret Oppenheim high-rise captivates the viewer with its offset stacked volumes and the folding shutters on its façade. The building by Herzog & de Meuron takes on a different guise depending on the light and perspective, symbolizing the creative atmosphere of the neighbourhood around Basel’s Swiss SBB railway station.
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Basel Cathedral (Münster) with its red sandstone façade is one of Basel’s landmarks. © Basel Tourism
Basel’s historic architecture is among the most important in Europe. The city’s history is reflected in its stone and alleyways, while centuries-old buildings create a unique atmosphere that combines past and present.
Basel Cathedral (Münster)
Basel Cathedral (Münster) has shaped the city since the Middle Ages with its red sandstone walls, filigree towers and colourful tiled roof. A view of the Rhine unfolds from Münsterplatz – a place home to a formidable combination of history and architecture.
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Mittlere Brücke
The Mittlere Brücke has connected Grossbasel and Kleinbasel for 800 years. It is one of the oldest Rhine crossings and still serves as a central meeting point today. From here, you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of Basel and a glimpse of the lively goings-on by the river.
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Basel Town Hall
The bright red Town Hall on Marktplatz is an architectural highlight of Basel’s Old Town. Its richly decorated inner courtyard, historical murals and the striking tower make it a place where political significance and artistic design form a harmonious whole.
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Spalentor
Once marking the western entrance to the fortified city of Basel, the Spalentor is one of the most impressive city gates in Switzerland. With its towers, battlements and the richly decorated main gate, it still conjures up a vivid impression of the medieval fortifications today.
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Basler Papiermühle
The Basler Papiermühle in the St. Alban valley is a museum, testament to craftsmanship and historic site, rolled into one. Paper is still made, printed and bound by hand within the walls of this medieval mill. Visitors can experience first-hand how book culture and writing culture have evolved over the centuries.
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