Attraction Guide: Vitra Design Museum, Basel, Switzerland

Vitra Design Museum Guide

Vitra Design Museum: A Mecca for Design Enthusiasts Guide

The Vitra Design Museum, located in Weil am Rhein, just across the border from Basel, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in design, architecture, and furniture. This world-renowned museum showcases the history of design from the early 19th century to the present day, with a particular focus on furniture and interior design. The museum's collection includes iconic pieces by some of the most influential designers of all time. The Vitra Design Museum was founded in 1989 by Rolf Fehlbaum, the chairman of Vitra, a Swiss furniture company. Fehlbaum's passion for design led him to create a museum that would not only showcase the company's own products but also explore the broader history and evolution of design. The museum's building, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a masterpiece in itself, with its deconstructivist style and dynamic forms. Visitors to the Vitra Design Museum can explore the museum's permanent collection, which features a wide range of furniture, lighting, and other design objects. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that focus on specific themes or designers. In addition to the museum itself, the Vitra Campus is home to a number of other architectural highlights, including buildings designed by Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, and Álvaro Siza. Guided tours are available to provide deeper insights into the collection and the architecture. While the museum doesn't have a specific culinary focus, the VitraHaus Café offers a selection of light meals and refreshments.