Museum Rietberg

Overview

Museum Rietberg is Zurich's museum of non-European art, set in a historic villa and glass-pavilion extension in the Rieter Park. Collections span Asian, African, Oceanic, and pre-Columbian art.

Highlights

• Asian art: Indian sculptures, Japanese prints, and Chinese scroll paintings.
• African collection: Masks, textiles, and sculptures.
• Park setting: The beautiful Rieter Park grounds overlook the lake.

History

Founded in 1952 in the neoclassical Villa Wesendonck (where Wagner composed part of Tristan und Isolde). The 2007 Smaragd extension added underground galleries.

Visitor Tips

• Park stroll: The grounds are free and beautiful.
• Combined visit: Pair with a lake promenade.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.