Dimitri Burkhard
Nestled in the charming town of Baden, just 15 minutes from Zürich, lies a hidden treasure trove of art and history: Museum Langmatt.
This majestic estate, once the residence of the Brown-Sulzer family, now stands as one of the most important private collections of French Impressionism in Europe
During many trips, our train would pass Baden without a stop. This is the first time we make Baden a destination. And although we've just departed from Zürich, our getaway feels more like a mini vacation. Nothing beats exploring a new town for a weekend...
Our first stop: Museum Langmatt, a majestic estate which served as the residence of the Brown-Sulzer family back in the day.
History of Museum Langmatt
The story of Museum Langmatt begins in 1896 when engineer Sidney William Brown married Jenny Sulzer, heiress to an industrial conglomerate in Winterthur. The Brown-Sulzer family quickly rose to prominence among Switzerland's industrial tycoons, later co-founding the company known today as ABB.
Sidney and Jenny Brown-Sulzer were avid art collectors with a particular fondness for French Impressionists. Their passion led them to amass an impressive collection of masterpieces that would eventually become the cornerstone of Museum Langmatt.
In 1987, following the wishes of the last Brown family member, the property was bequeathed to the city of Baden. Three years later, in 1990, Villa Langmatt opened its doors to the public as a museum, allowing art enthusiasts to marvel at its extraordinary collection
The Museum's Collection
Impressionist Masterpieces
Museum Langmatt houses an unparalleled collection of French Impressionist art. Visitors can admire works by renowned artists such as:
Beyond Impressionism
The Museum Langmatt collection extends beyond Impressionism, featuring:
A Living Time Capsule
What sets Museum Langmatt apart is its preservation of the original living spaces. The villa's rooms are carefully decorated with valuable art and antique furniture, offering visitors a glimpse into upper middle-class living during the Belle Époque.
We also like this gem of a Swiss art museum for its small size. You can approach a Renoir close enough to make out each stroke on the canvas...
Current Renovation Project
The Museum Langmatt and its surrounding park are currently closed for a comprehensive renovation project. This closure is expected to last until spring 2026.
Two notable surprises were discovered during the renovation:
- Behind a wall where they expected to find a door based on historical plans, they instead uncovered roller shutters and insulation material.
- In the Browns' old kitchen, when wood paneling was removed, white tiles and previously hidden window openings were revealed.
How to Experience the Renovation
Despite the closure, the museum offers various events allowing visitors to experience the renovation-related changes. Check the website for details.
Visiting Museum Langmatt (Post-Renovation)
Museum Langmatt is conveniently located in Baden, easily accessible by train from Zürich in just 15 minutes.
What to Expect (and Tips for Visitors)
Once the Museum Langmatt reopens in 2026, visitors can look forward to:
We recommend you spend at least a couple of hours to fully appreciate the collection. The surrounding park is very inviting. And when we visited in the past, the museum's bistro even offered a picnic basket to enjoy on the lush lawn.
Museum Langmatt in Baden is truly a hidden gem in Switzerland's cultural landscape. Its unique blend of Impressionist masterpieces, historical ambiance, and intimate setting make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
To get a preview of what awaits at Museum Langmatt, check out this video showcasing the museum's highlights:
While we eagerly await its reopening in 2026, the ongoing events and displays offer tantalizing glimpses of the treasures that await.
FAQs about Museum Langmatt Baden
Museum Langmatt is conveniently located in Baden, easily accessible by train from Zürich in just 15 minutes.
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