If you find yourself in Basel on the banks of the Rhine, take the opportunity to visit Museum Tinguely — the outstanding home of artist Jean Tinguely’s works, designed by architect Mario Botta. Through his works, Jean Tinguely engages boldly with the spectator and his enigmatic works sparkle with wit and irony.
Jean Tinguely, Schwimmwasserplastik, 1980, in the Solitude Park. Photo: 2013, Museum Tinguely Basel, Daniel Spehr
Mario Botta’s architecture reflects a deep-founded respect for craftsmanship, local building materials and geometrical principle as visible in the cathedral of Evry, France or the cube-shaped Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.
Occupying the entire eastern part of the historical Solitude Park on the Rhine, the rectangular museum is surrounded by centenary trees and a promenade.
Museum Tinguely (north and east front) Photo: 2015, Museum Tinguely Basel, Serge Hasenböhler
The southern façade giving on to the river features an elongated suspended section detached from the body of the building, directing the visitor’s eye to the Rhine. The high east façade has three levels of exhibition space and efficiently works as a sound barrier. Facing the park, on the opposite side, the museum consists of five sections, three of which open onto the park through a wide porch. The northern façade runs parallel to the Grenzacherstrasse, and a covered area between the street and the museum provides access to the park.
Thus, all four sides harmonise with their surroundings seamlessly. Thought-provoking architecture at its finest.