Bündner Kunstmuseum: A Cultural Gem in Chur

The Bündner Kunstmuseum, or Graubünden Art Museum, is a must-visit cultural institution in Chur, Switzerland. Founded in 1919, the museum's collection has grown to encompass around 8,000 works from the 18th century to the present day. You'll find a diverse range of fine arts, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs. The museum is comprised of two buildings: the neoclassical Villa Planta, dating back to 1875, and a striking cube-shaped extension added in 2016. The Villa Planta, designed by Johannes Ludwig, was originally a private residence and features neo-Renaissance style with Orientalist influences. The extension, designed by Barozzi Veiga, offers a modern contrast with its gridded facade in cast concrete. The two buildings are connected by an underground passage, creating a seamless museum experience. The Bündner Kunstmuseum's collection focuses on artists with ties to the Graubünden region, reflecting the area's unique cultural landscape and history. Key artists include Angelica Kauffmann, the Giacometti family (Augusto, Giovanni, and Alberto), and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. The museum also features works by Swiss Expressionists and contemporary artists. The collection explores themes related to Graubünden's mountainous landscape, migration, and tourism. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts five to six temporary exhibitions each year. These exhibitions showcase historical and contemporary artists, as well as thematic group shows.