Exploring the Rietberg Museum: A Must-Visit Destination for Non-European Culture Enthusiasts
Are you tired of visiting the same old museums that primarily showcase works of art from Europe? Then it’s time to head to the Rietberg Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. This museum is dedicated to non-European cultures and boasts a unique collection that is sure to captivate visitors from all over the world.
The Rietberg Museum is situated just a short tram ride away from the center of Zurich, making it accessible and a worthwhile destination. Housed in three beautiful 19th-century villas that are surrounded by lush gardens, this museum is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Rietberg Museum so special and why you should add it to your travel bucket list.
The History of the Rietberg Museum
The Rietberg Museum was founded in 1949 by Eduard von der Heydt, a wealthy art collector and philanthropist. Von der Heydt traveled extensively, collecting art from non-European cultures, which led to the establishment of one of the most significant collections of its kind in Europe. Upon his death, he left his collection to the city of Zurich, and it was then housed in the Rietberg Museum.
Over the years, the Rietberg Museum has continued to grow, thanks to generous donations and acquisitions of new collections. Today, it features over 90,000 objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum’s diverse collection is organized into six departments, making it easy for visitors to navigate.
Exploring the Collection
The Rietberg Museum’s collection is vast and diverse, with objects ranging from pre-Columbian art to contemporary African art. Each department is dedicated to a specific region, which allows visitors to experience a wide range of cultures within one location. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to see:
Department of Africa: This department features art from Central, East, and West Africa. Objects on display include masks, sculptures, and textiles.
Department of Ancient America: This department exhibits pre-Columbian art from Mexico, Central, and South America. It showcases a range of objects, including ceramics, gold, and textile works.
Department of Asia: This department features art from Central, South, and Southeast Asia. Objects on display include sculptures, ceramics, and paintings.
Department of China: This department features Chinese art from the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Objects on display include porcelain, jade, and paintings.
Department of Islam: This department features art from Islamic cultures in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Objects on display include manuscripts, textiles, and ceramics.
Department of Oceania: This department features art from Australia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. Objects on display include masks, weapons, and sculptures.
Exploring the museum’s collection is a fascinating journey that takes visitors on a global adventure. Objects are accompanied by informative labels that provide historical and cultural context, which adds to the overall experience. The museum’s displays are well-curated, making it easy to appreciate the unique beauty and significance of each object.
The Architecture of the Museum
Apart from the collection, the Rietberg Museum’s architecture is noteworthy. The museum is housed in three 19th-century villas that are surrounded by beautiful gardens. The villas were donated by Baron von der Heydt to the city of Zurich to be used as a museum. The museum’s extension, which was recently built, is mostly underground to reduce its impact on the villas and gardens while providing additional space for exhibitions. The underground addition was designed by the Swiss architecture firm, Alfred Grazioli, and features an impressive concrete canopy that adds to the museum’s charm.
The museum’s cafe is another highlight of the architecture, as it boasts beautiful views of the gardens and a menu that caters to vegans and vegetarians. The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal place to relax after a long day of exploring the museum.
Additional Piece: The Importance of Non-European Museums
Non-European museums, like the Rietberg Museum, play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing cultures that are often overlooked in Western museums. These museums offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about cultures that are different from their own, providing a window into the rich diversity of our world.
Apart from promoting cultural understanding, non-European museums also play a significant role in supporting local economies and cultures. These museums often rely on donations from local communities, which in turn supports the livelihoods of artists and artisans who create the objects on display. By supporting non-European museums, visitors can directly contribute to the preservation and promotion of these cultures.
Moreover, non-European museums often take a more expansive view of art and culture, incorporating objects that are not traditionally considered art. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of history, culture, and society and creates a more inclusive and comprehensive view of human expression.
In conclusion, non-European museums like the Rietberg Museum offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore cultures beyond their own. These museums promote cultural understanding, support local economies and communities, and offer a more expansive view of art and culture. By adding these destinations to our travel bucket list, we can broaden our horizons and deepen our appreciation of the world we live in.
Summary:
The Rietberg Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, is a must-visit destination for non-European culture enthusiasts. Founded in 1949 by Eduard von der Heydt, the museum features over 90,000 objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The collection is organized into six departments and includes art from a range of cultures and traditions. The museum is housed in three 19th-century villas surrounded by beautiful gardens, and its underground extension was designed by Swiss architecture firm Alfred Grazioli. The museum’s cafe offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly food and beautiful views of the gardens. Non-European museums play an essential role in preserving and showcasing cultures that are often overlooked in Western museums. These museums promote cultural understanding, support local economies and communities, and offer a more expansive view of art and culture. By adding destinations like the Rietberg Museum to our travel bucket list, we can broaden our horizons and deepen our appreciation of the world we live in.
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© Mark Niedermann/Rietberg Museum,
He rietberg museum is [dedicated to] non-European cultures. His exhibits are always interesting, and often top notch, and his own collection is good too. The museum is a short tram ride from the center of Zurich; it is housed in three pretty 19th century villas in the middle of beautiful gardens. A very attractive extension, recently built, is mostly underground to reduce its impact on the villas and gardens. And there is a cafe that serves good food (much of it vegetarian or vegan) and coffee. Addresses
— Lucy Ulrich, retired journalist and translator, Basel, Switzerland
https://www.ft.com/content/f92c2883-d337-4498-ad00-f1bd26f1438a
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