The Museum of Psychiatry is undergoing a major transformation. As part of a participatory process, it has developed a new vision. It is due to reopen in a new form in 2030. Until then, the permanent exhibition, which has been in place for over 20 years, will largely remain unchanged. In spring 2026, however, certain sections were replaced and the older elements were supplemented with explanatory notes.
The permanent exhibition offers an insight into the fascinating and at times harrowing history of psychiatry. At the heart of the exhibition lies the Morgenthaler Collection, of international significance, which brings together objects from everyday hospital life and artistic works created by patients (known as ‘outsider art’ or ‘art brut’). Among the highlights are cupboards painted by Adolf Wölfli, which he created for the former museum. The exhibition therefore focuses primarily on the period from 1850 to 1950. As part of the museum’s reorientation, more recent history and the issues that concern us today are also increasingly being addressed.
The exhibition features around twenty in-depth audio guides, each lasting 3 to 4 minutes, which you can listen to on your smartphone. Ideally, please bring your own headphones.