Background
Pavillon Le Corbusier is an Art Museum… this was the last ever building designed by the legendary Swiss architect, painter and sculptor Le Corbusier which also houses his life works of art. The museum opened in 1967 two years after he passed away. It is a tribute and dedication to the works of Le Corbusier.
The museum building was built by entrepreneur and feminist Heidi Weber using her personal finances and it was then known as Heidi Weber Museum − Centre Le Corbusier. She was an interior designer and art collector, and nurtured and operated the museum for over 50 years. In 2014 when the lease for the land on which the museum sits expired, the museum was taken over by City of Zurich, Heidi’s name was wiped off and renamed to Pavillon Le Corbusier.
Apart from numerous architectural scholars and students, many world’s leading architects visited the museum starting from Frank Gehry to Sir Norman Foster to Philip Johnson. In several occasions, Heidi Weber herself received and greeted the VIP visitors and took them through a guided tour of the museum.
The Architecture
This is not only the last design work of Le Corbusier who was a pioneer in what is today known as modern architecture, but this is also the only building in which Le Corbusier shifted his designs radically from using concrete and stones that he did all his life to steel and glass.
The unique feature of the building is its floating parasol roof-structure which was the first thing built so that the remaining structure below the roof can be done on-site without much interference from weather elements. Below the rood, modular steel cubicles have been constructed each occupying about 7.5 cubic feet and one set of such cubicles is stacked over the other to make it a 2-storey building.
The windows, doors and walls have been bolted on the steel frames. It is estimated that over 20,000 bolts have been used in fixing all the elements. However, being modular in design, the structure is infinitely adaptable and flexible. Multi-coloured enamelled steel plates have been used in the structure so that building looks colourful and attractive.
The roof which comprises of two parts each of 39 x 39ft size, was prefabricated, transported in maximum sizes possible, assembled and welded at the site and then lifted to its current position at an elevation of 30ft and fixed to the pillars.
Although the entire structure is made mostly using steel and glass, there are a couple of elements that actually use concrete… and they are the stairway inside the building at the studio space and the outside ramp both of which lead from the ground level to a beautiful roof garden above which is located below the parasol roof structure.
Although the main focus seems to be the building structure, a lot of attention has been given to the site as a whole. Apart from the lovely roof garden, the other features include lush grassy lawn and a small pond in front. The pivoting doors and windows opening outside appear to blur the boundary between outside and inside.
The Pavillon Le Corbusier is considered the only ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ – a ‘Complete work of art’ in the world.
The Exhibits
Heidi, who was a friend and patron of Le Corbusier, collected a large number of Le Corbusier’s sculptures, paintings, furniture and writings. One of the most notable collections was his Chaise Lounge. One of the first displays here were Jürg Gasser’s photography of Chandigarh in 1968/69 after he visited the Indian city on behalf of Heidi.
Heidi removed all her personal collections including sculptures and furniture in May 2016. The city of Zurich later replaced many of such exhibits from other sources.
Open Hours & Entry Fee
Open from May – November:
Tuesday – Sunday, 12 – 6pm; Thursday, 12 – 8pm
Closed from December – April.
Adult entry fee: CHF 12
The museum building can be booked for private events.
Location & How To Reach
Pavillon Le Corbusier is located next to Lake Zurich shore near Zurichhorn. You can walk down to the museum from Bellevueplatz or Sechselautenplatz (takes about 20 minutes). Alternatively, avail Tram 2 or 4 or bus line 33 and get off at the stop Hoschgasse or Frohlichstrasse. You can also take bus line 912 or 916 from Bellevue to Chinagarten, or reach by Limmat boats operated frequently by Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG) towards Zurichhorn.
Find Nearby
- Chinagarten Take Away (140m): This is a small unassuming takeaway set against the wall of Chinese Garden, but the Chinese food they make is exceptionally good. They are open daily from 11am to 7pm and between March to October.
- Gelati am See (180m): This is a mobile ice cream stand located right by the Lake Zurich at Riesbach harbour. It’s open March – October, Monday – Friday, 1.00pm until sunset, Saturday & Sunday, 2.00pm until sunset.
- Tufi (270m): This is a French-inspired organic restaurant serving seasonal and regional food. They make both French and Swiss specialities with great passion. It’s open Monday to Friday, 11.30am – 2.00pm and 6.00pm – 11.00pm, Saturday 6.00pm – 11.00pm.
- Toto (310m): This is a nice airy restaurant with modern furnishing and serving Italian cuisine. Other than many Italian specialities, you get Pizzas made in brick ovens. It has a bar. Monday to Wednesday 7.30am – 12.00am, Thursday and Friday 7.30am – 1.00am, Saturday 9.00am – 1.00am, Sunday 10.00am – 12.00am.
Also Read
- Best places to visit in Zurich
- Zurich Tourism
- Switzerland Tourism
- Europe Tourism
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.