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Museum Sammlung Rosengart Tour: What to See & Do

Interior of Sammlung Rosengart, Lucerne
Published on: May 31, 2022
Last updated: January 7, 2024

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Kyle Kroeger

Written by Kyle Kroeger

Kyle Kroeger is the Founder and Owner of ViaTravelers.com. He is a full-time traveler and entrepreneur.

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart is a must-see if you’re an art lover. This world-class art collection is located in the beautiful city of Luzern, Switzerland. The museum houses various artwork from masters like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Cézanne.

Additionally, there are several special exhibitions throughout the year. These will offer you a new perspective on some of the most famous pieces in art history.

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart is the best option for travelers who want to experience fine arts in a calm yet stunning environment. 

Although the city of Luzern is beautiful itself, it would be a mistake to overlook this collection of artwork that has been expertly curated and preserved over the years. Whether you’re a professional connoisseur or new to art appreciation, this museum provides art lovers with an unforgettable experience.

Museum Sammlung Rosengart

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What is the Private Collection of Museum Sammlung Rosengart?

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart is a private collection of art that was started by businessman and art dealer Siegfried Rosengart. He originally opened a small gallery in his hometown of Lucerne in 1932.

Over time, the collection grew and eventually outgrew the space available in the original gallery. In 1997, the collection found its current home in a purpose-built museum on Pilatusstrasse.

The new museum was designed by Mario Botta, one of Switzerland’s most renowned architects. It features clean lines and ample natural light, providing the perfect environment for viewing the artwork.

Sammlung Rosengart

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart is now internationally recognized as one of the world’s finest private art collections. The Rosengart Foundation is nationally renowned and one of Switzerland’s best tourist attractions for art museums and culture.

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What to See at the Museum Sammlung Rosengart

Picasso at Sammlung Rosengart Museum
Kyle Kroeger / ViaTravelers

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart contains an impressive collection of artwork spanning various genres and periods. You’ll find everything from early Italian Renaissance paintings to contemporary installations.

Some of the most famous pieces in the collection include Pablo Picasso’s “The Young Ladies of Avignon” and Paul Cézanne’s “Still Life with Apples and a Pot of Primroses.”

In addition to these well-known works, there are also several lesser-known gems that are worth seeking out. For example, keep an eye out for Henri Matisse’s “Portrait of Marguerite Landsberg” and Wassily Kandinsky’s “Improvisation 28 (Rider).”

If you want to learn more about the artwork, the museum offers several guided tours. These are led by knowledgeable docents who can provide insights into the pieces and their creators.

The tours are available in a variety of languages, so be sure to ask about options when you purchase your ticket. In addition to the permanent collection, the Museum Sammlung Rosengart also hosts regular temporary exhibitions. These provide an opportunity to see even more world-class artwork, often with a specific theme or focus.

Past exhibitions have featured everything from post-impressionist paintings to Japanese calligraphy. Check the museum’s website to see what’s on display during your visit.

How to Get to Museum Sammlung Rosengart – Luzern

If you’re in Lucerne, it’s pretty easy to get to Museum Sammlung Rosengart. The museum is well-served by the town’s public transportation systems. By taking one of the many buses and trains available here, you can reach it in no time!

Museum Sammlung Rosengart - Luzern

The closest stop for the Vökoder Museum is Museggstrasse, which is approximately a five-minute walk away. Trams 2, 4, 5, and 6 go right to the museum’s entrance. If you’re looking for a closer stop, get off at Bahnhofstrasse or Museggstrasse instead.

If you want to take a train, the museum is close to the Lucerne railway station.

Best Time to Visit Sammlung Rosengart

The best time to visit the Museum Rosengart Collection is during the summer when the weather is warm and dry.  It’s a good idea to be considerate of other tourists while taking photographs outside, especially when they are viewing art.

It’s also vital to pay attention to your surroundings and avoid damaging sculptures or other works of art. The Rosengart Collection Lucerne is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon admiring some of the world’s most famous works of art.

Architecture

Museum Sammlung Rosengart Entrance
Image by Tetraeder used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

The exterior of Sammlung Rosengart is designed in a sleek and modern style, with clean lines and a simple aesthetic. The building is made from white, concrete-like material, and the windows are large and rectangular. 

A small garden in front of the building is well-maintained, featuring a few benches and trees. Visitors will find various artworks from different periods inside the museum.

The museum’s interior is bright and vibrant, with geometric patterns and bright colors that create a fun and lively atmosphere. Natural light floods the area thanks to several large windows, which adds to the artwork’s splendor.

See Related: Places to Visit in Switzerland

Museum Sammlung Rosengart Exhibits

The entirety of the museum is filled with different art exhibits. Here are the displays to see in Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

First Floor Exhibit

Sammlung Rosengart

The museum is home to an exceptional collection of artwork, including a portrait exhibit of Angela Rosengart on its first floor.

Angela Rosengart was a Swiss artist. She is best known for her portraits, which often captured the likeness of famous people such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, and Henri Matisse.

Rosengart’s portraits in Sammlung Rosengart – Luzern, Switzerland, are her most notable works. This museum houses more than 300 of Rosengart’s portraits, which she began painting.

Most of the collection comprises commissioned pieces that various governments and wealthy individuals purchased. She also painted numerous self-portraits throughout her career.

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Ground Floor Exhibit

The museum’s ground floor is heavily dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s artwork. The Pablo Picasso art exhibit at Sammlung Rosengart is a must-see for fans of the lauded Spanish artist. The exhibition features more than 100 pieces of artwork from throughout Picasso’s career, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

One of the exhibit’s highlights is seeing earlier works by Picasso alongside paintings by other famous artists. For example, you can see a painting that Picasso created as a teenager alongside one of Vincent van Gogh’s most notable works.

Paintings from Picasso, such as “Women with Straw Hat on a Floral Background,” are exhibited in the museum. The exhibit allows you to follow the steps of Picasso’s development through his paintings from 1938 to 1969.

Basement Exhibit

Sammlung Rosengart - Luzern

The museum’s basement is dedicated to the works of the Swiss artist Paul Klee. The exhibit showcases a variety of Klee’s work, from oil paintings and sketches to watercolors and sculptures. These works document the artist’s creative phases and attest to his art’s inexhaustible pictorial and narrative richness.

In the basement of the Rosengart collection, you’ll be greeted with 125 artworks by Paul Klee.  Among the many Paul Klee artworks in Museum Sammlung Rosengart is “Queen of Hearts,” a beautiful and intriguing piece that incorporates many elements into a cohesive whole. 

The background is a swirling mass of deep reds and oranges, while the main focus of the painting is a large, regal-looking queen in the foreground seated upon a throne of hearts.

More Exhibits from Different Artists

Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Alexander Calder, Paul Cézanne, and Maurice Utrillo are all artists featured in the Museum Sammlung Rosengart. Each of their artworks is unique and displays different techniques and styles.

Pierre Bonnard’s artwork features bright colors and soft lines. He was known for using light and color to create a sense of space. Georges Braque’s artwork is more geometric in nature, with sharp lines and angles. He was known for his Cubist style of painting. 

Alexander Calder’s works are characterized by their use of movement and kinetic energy. His sculptures were often abstractions of everyday objects. Paul Cézanne’s artwork is known for using geometric shapes and bold colors. He was a Post-Impressionist painter who influenced the development of Cubism.

Maurice Utrillo’s artworks were often depictions of Parisian street scenes. He was known for using light and shadow to create a sense of depth.

See Related: Lake Lucerne Travel Guide

Nearby Popular Attractions to Museum Sammlung Rosengart

After spending some time at the Museum Sammlung Rosengart, be sure to explore the rest of Lucerne. This charming Swiss city has much to offer, from picturesque views of Lake Lucerne to historic buildings. No matter what you decide to do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in Lucerne.

Some of the must-see sights in Lucerne include the Lion Monument and the Old Town. If you’re looking for something to do outside the city center, consider taking a cable car up Mount Pilatus or visiting one of the nearby villages.

Museum Sammlung Rosengart Statue
Image by WES1947 used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Being so accessible via public transportation, Museum Sammlung Rosengart is close to several attractions in Luzern, making it an excellent destination for visitors exploring the city.

One site near the Rosengart collection worth exploring is The Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge that spans the Reuss River. It is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re looking for something to do after exploring the Sammlung Rosengart, consider walking through the old city. The streets are banded with medieval buildings, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. There’s also a lively nightlife scene in the city, so check out some of the bars and clubs after dark.

If you’re in the Lucerne area and are looking for a fun day out, be sure to check out the Museum Sammlung Rosengart. This art museum is home to an impressive collection of works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and more. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from the museum’s outdoor terrace.

When planning your visit, be sure to allow plenty of time to explore all the museum has to offer. In addition to the art collections, there are also interactive exhibits, a cafe, and a shop. You could easily spend an entire day here and not see everything!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Museum Sammlung Rosengart and its collections, be sure to take a guided tour. Tours are available in English, French, German, and Swiss-German. They typically last about an hour and are a great way to get an introduction to the museum.

FAQ

What is included in the tour of the Rosengart Collection?

Your ticket includes a visit to the museum’s five main galleries, where you’ll see paintings by Pablo Picasso, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and other famous artists.

Can I take pictures on the tour of Museum Sammlung Rosentgart?

Yes! Photography is allowed in all of the museum’s galleries except for the Miró room.

How do I get to Museum Sammlung Rosengart?

The Sammlung Rosengart is located in central Lucerne, just a few minutes walk from Lake Lucerne and the train station.

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