Local art and culture in Switzerland

These studios and galleries are worth a visit

Reading Time:    5 Min.
Publication:        October 28, 2025, Jessy Thür

In many cities, and especially in an art metropolis like Zurich, culture is not only found in the big venues, but above all in hidden studios, off-spaces, and small galleries. Those who want to experience art away from the mainstream often enter spaces where experimentation, local networks, and direct encounters take center stage. Below, I would like to introduce a few places that are worth visiting, with portraits of artists and event tips.

City Skyline

Gallery hotspots around the Kunsthaus Zürich

The Kunsthaus Zürich acts as a magnet for galleries and creative spaces in its vicinity. A dense gallery mile has developed around Heimplatz, where established and young galleries together form a lively environment. The association “Die Zürcher Galerien” (DZG) represents over 40 active galleries in the city and organizes gallery tours and the annual Zurich Contemporary Art Weekend.

A prominent example nearby is Mai 36 Galerie, founded in 1987 and located at Rämistrasse 37. The gallery exhibits internationally renowned and emerging artists, from John Baldessari and Pia Fries to Swiss artists. Another example is the Fabian & Claude Walter Galerie, which has changed location several times in Zurich and is now based at Rämistrasse 18.

One project with a special appeal is Gallery House Zurich: in the suns.works premises on Quellenstrasse, several art spaces and off-spaces are being brought together under one roof for a short period of time to create synergies and enable new formats.

Alternative spaces and studios: embracing diversity

In addition to traditional galleries, Zurich has a lively off-beat and project space scene. One such space is RossArt, a cultural center and gallery dedicated to the dialogue between art and sustainability. Topics such as the environment, society, and innovation are discussed here.

Also important: Les Complices, a self-organized art space since 2002 that focuses on political, feminist, and queer perspectives.

Art Dock Zurich, located in the former freight depot near Hardbrücke, was a historic space with great potential. It showcased the estates of Zurich artists as well as current art projects.

Artists' studios also open occasionally – during gallery tours or open studio days. Those who take part can experience art in the making and often have the opportunity to talk directly with the artists.

Artist portraits in miniature

Portraits of locally based artists offer a great opportunity to take a look behind the scenes. Here's one example:
  • Fabian Lang is a gallery owner and project initiator in Zurich. Wanting to do more than just run sales galleries, he founded Zurich1, an initiative to create a network for smaller galleries. His motivation was clear: “I wanted to do more than just sell art.”  His path shows how local, committed, and networked art work can be today.

  • Many galleries, such as Mai 36, work with artists on a long-term basis, often for decades, and mediate between local connections and international markets. Such relationships are best understood in small spaces or workshops—through direct exchange.

Event tips and opportunities to visit

If you want to discover places like these, gallery weekends and special art fairs can help:
  • The Zurich Contemporary Art Weekend, organized by the DZG, opens shortly before Art Basel and provides a platform for various galleries, performances, talks, and vernissages.

  • Brand new: Art Salon Zurich, a smaller, gallery-specific art fair in the fall (October 23–26, 2025) in Hall 622 (Oerlikon), with a focus on contemporary art.

  • Also interesting: the Zurich Gallery Weekend, when over 30 galleries open their doors and visitors can experience exhibitions, studios, and artist talks firsthand.
Tip: Before visiting, it is worth checking the websites of the galleries and networks (e.g., DZG or Yellowpages.swiss) to find out about current exhibitions and opening hours.

Why it's worthwhile

Local studios and galleries are more than just exhibition venues: they are spaces for exchange, risk-taking, and cultural experimentation. This is where networks are formed, new voices become visible, and art lovers and artists come particularly close together. 

Find local art spaces and contacts on Yellowpages.swiss.

All information provided without guarantee.

«www.yellowpages.swiss»
Location: Thurgauerstrasse 40, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland

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