Museum Reitberg is a popular museum of Zurich, housing important works of art. The world-famous paintings and sculptures gifted to the City of Zürich in 1952 by Baron Eduard von der Heydt make up the permanent collection of this museum. The museum is located in the Wesendonck villa, next to Zurich's Belvoir Park. The best way to reach this spot is by availing the Tram 7 and the stop itself is known as the Museum Rietberg. The museum has an adjacent park - Rieter Park. Museum Reitberg in Zurich is opened from10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, except Monday.
The villa was built in 1857 for Otto Wesendonck - a German industrialist, who wanted an exact replica of the Roman Villa Albani. The villa initially was the meeting place for the intellectual community of Zurich, later in 1952 it was acquired by the city and presently houses the impressive collection of Baron Eduard von der Heydt. Apart from European exhibits, the museum also houses Indian sculpture,bronzes by African tribes, temple pictures, Chinese grave decorations, carvings, masks, bronzes from Tibet, Buddhist art works and craft work from the Pacific countries.
Collections of Museum Reitberg
The Museum Rietberg Zurich is the only art museum in the region, that is devoted to non-European cultures and showcases an international collection of art from Africa, Asia and Ancient America. The collection of this museum not only focus on the variety of artistic expression, but they also promote the interest and traditions of foreign cultures, religions and views. However, the main collection of the Museum dates back to a benevolent donation of Baron Eduard von der
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Heydt. Museum Rietberg has been growing continuously through years of association with patrons and antique collectors.
Exhibitions in Museum Reitberg
Several exhibitions and shows have been organized in this museum over the years. Some of the recent ones include the exhibition of Angkor – Cambodia’s Divine Legacy in December 2007, Life Threads - Textiles from Ancient Peru in April 2007, Kannon, Divine Compassion - Early Buddhist Art from Japan in April 2007 and Gilded Splendour - Treasures of China's Liao Empire in July 2007. There are numerous exhibitions being held every month in this museum on different themes.
Departments of Museum Reitberg
Museum Reitberg in Zurich is made up of many buildings in its vast premises. The main entrance has the gallery showcasing art from Africa, China and Japan. Park-Villa Rieter building exhibits Indian painting, Islamic art and carpets and art from the Ancient Orient. The lecture and concert hall is within this building. Villa Wesendonck houses a cafe and several artworks from ancient America, India and Oceania. Villa Schönberg is the library and administration building. Remise building houses a Japanese tea room. Atelier comprises of the education department and the studio.
Museum Reitberg is one of the must see attractions for not only the cultural tourists but also the visitors having a thirst for archeology. The Museum is closed on 24 and 31 December.
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