today i ventured to the outskirts of basel to visit the private collection-turned-museum of post-modern art that was on the top of my 'to-do-in-basel' list.
the fondation beyeler in the riehen is a haven for modern & contemporary art lovers. this museum is comprised of the approx. 200 works from the collection of ernst beyeler: art dealer, collector, and co-founder of the international art fair art basel. the collection is housed in a striking building by renzo piano (who also designed the menil in houston - shoutout!), who constructed it specifically to house this collection.
the nature outside mirrors the art inside, as seen by this lily-pond that travels right up to the glass windows of the room with monet's water lilies.
surrounded by swiss countryside, the grounds are breathtaking and serene... and, as i have found the majority of switzerland to be, very quiet.
beyeler also hosts special exhibitions of contemporary artists. i was lucky enough to stumble in during the first ever swiss museum exhibition of living artist jeff koons. (you know, the guy who does the big balloon dogs.)
seeing some of his most playful and interesting pieces in real life was such a treat.
i have a weakness, inherited from my father, for the need to buy a book from every interesting museum i visit. it is the reason i own over 100 lbs in art catalogues. today was no exception.
who knows how i'll fit those additional books into my suitcase, but it will be worth it.
beyeler is a 30 minute tram ride outside of the city of basel,
but the trip is so easy on basel's amazing public transportation system.
information is on the website:
http://www.fondationbeyeler.ch/en