Open Art Museum

Open Art Museum St. Gallen: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of St. Gallen, Switzerland, the Open Art Museum stands as the nation’s leading institution dedicated to Swiss Naive Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art. Since its founding in 1988 (originally as the Museum im Lagerhaus), the museum has evolved into a hub of cultural dialogue, inclusivity, and accessibility, offering a diverse collection of around 30,000 works by over 180 artists. Visitors are invited to experience the imaginative worlds of self-taught artists—often operating outside traditional artistic boundaries—through a dynamic program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and participatory events. Whether you are an art connoisseur, a family seeking an educational outing, or a traveler in search of unique creative perspectives, the Open Art Museum St. Gallen is a must-see destination. For the latest information on exhibitions, visiting hours, and tickets, consult the official website. Additional insights can be found at Kultur Inklusiv and WhichMuseum.

Introduction
History and Mission
Understanding Naive Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art
Collection and Exhibitions
Notable Artists
Digital and Educational Initiatives
Visitor Information
Family and Community Engagement
Accessibility and Facilities
Getting There and Local Attractions
Visitor Tips
FAQ
Visuals and Media
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Mission

Founded in 1988 as the Museum im Lagerhaus and rebranded as the Open Art Museum, the institution has grown from an initial donation of approximately 200 works by three collector couples—Erna and Curt Burgauer, Mina and Josef John, and Simone and Peter Schaufelberger-Breguet—into Switzerland’s foremost center for Naive Art and Art Brut (openartmuseum.ch). The museum’s mission revolves around fostering openness, diversity, and participation in the arts, with a strong emphasis on breaking down social, cultural, and academic barriers. By elevating the voices of self-taught and outsider artists, the museum nurtures a culture of inclusion and inspiration.

Understanding Naive Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art

Art Brut

The term “Art Brut” (“raw art”) was coined by Jean Dubuffet in 1945 to describe works produced outside official cultural channels, often by psychiatric patients, prisoners, or socially marginalized individuals. These works are celebrated for their authenticity, spontaneity, and disregard for academic convention (openartmuseum.ch).

Outsider Art

Introduced by Roger Cardinal in 1972, “Outsider Art” is a broader English-language concept encompassing self-taught art outside the art world mainstream, including but not limited to Art Brut. It includes works by contemporary artists whose practices do not align with academic or institutional norms.

Naive Art

Naive Art is characterized by a direct, unaffected style, typically created by self-taught artists, but not necessarily linked to marginalization. Notable figures include Switzerland’s Adolf Dietrich and France’s Henri Rousseau (openartmuseum.ch).

Collection and Exhibitions

Scope and Composition

The Open Art Museum’s collection features approximately 30,000 works from more than 180 artists, spanning paintings, drawings, woodcuts, reverse glass paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media objects (whichmuseum.com). The collection emphasizes works by self-taught artists and those working outside academic traditions, highlighting the originality and emotional intensity of their visions (de.wikipedia.org).

Notable Donations

A significant enrichment came from the estate of Karl Uelliger (1914–1993), an autodidact whose atmospheric paintings, woodcuts, and sculptures are now a cornerstone of the museum’s holdings (ch-cultura.ch). Ongoing acquisitions and gifts continue to broaden the museum’s scope and reflect evolving trends in Outsider Art.

Thematic and Artistic Diversity

The museum’s exhibitions range from poetic landscapes and expressive portraits to fantastical and abstract scenes, often utilizing unconventional materials. The curatorial approach highlights not only the individuality of each artist’s perspective but also broader themes such as human-animal relationships, the boundaries of normality, and the power of imagination.

Annual Exhibition Rhythm

At least three temporary exhibitions and one collection-based show are presented annually (de.wikipedia.org), ensuring a continually refreshed visitor experience.

Recent and Upcoming Highlights

“Karl Uelliger – Mit Wolken gehen möchte ich wandern” (Sept 2024 – Feb 2025): A retrospective of Uelliger’s work, including paintings, woodcuts, and sculptures (ch-cultura.ch).
“Ilija – Ein Tuch mit zwei Gesichtern” (Sept 2024 – Feb 2025): An exploration of dualities in Ilija’s Outsider Art (presseportal.ch).
“ICH TIER WIR – Eine sonderbare Beziehung” (Mar – Jul 2025): A traveling show examining human-animal relationships, complemented by artist talks and family workshops (presseportal.ch).
“Jeannette Vogel” (Mar – Jul 2025): A display of previously unseen works by Jeannette Vogel (openartmuseum.ch).

Notable Artists

Hans Krüsi (1920–1995): Known for expressive, large-format works (kulturinklusiv.ch).
Maria Prymachenko (1909–1997): Celebrated Ukrainian Naive artist (kulturinklusiv.ch).
Adolf Dietrich (1877–1957): One of Switzerland’s foremost Naive artists (openartmuseum.ch).
Ilija: Explores themes of duality and identity (presseportal.ch).
Jeannette Vogel: Her works are periodically featured in special exhibitions (openartmuseum.ch).

Digital and Educational Initiatives

Digital Access and Augmented Reality

Since 2016, visitors have benefited from Augmented Reality (AR) guides, accessible via tablets, offering supplementary information and access to works not on display (whichmuseum.com). The collection is being digitized for expanded online access, and the website includes plain language resources and explanatory videos.

Educational Programs

The museum provides guided tours, workshops, and interactive activities such as the “Händy” game for children and families. Thematic tours and artist talks enhance engagement with the collection (openartmuseum.ch).

Community and Open Space

The foyer’s “open space” is available for community projects and guest exhibitions, fostering inclusivity and supporting local creative initiatives.

Visitor Information

Address

Davidstrasse 44, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland
(openartmuseum.ch)

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 14:00–18:00
Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: 12:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays, 24/25/31 December, 1 January, Good Friday, 1 August

(openartmuseum.ch)

Admission

Adults: CHF 9
Reduced: CHF 6 (students, seniors, Kulturlegi, etc.)
Free: Children and youth up to 18, Swiss Museum Pass holders, school groups
(museums.ch)

Accessibility

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entrances, accessible restrooms, and barrier-free parking. Materials in plain language and sign language are available upon request. Accompanying persons receive free entry (openartmuseum.ch).

Facilities and Amenities

Bookshop: Publications and art-related gifts
Café: Light refreshments
Lockers/Cloakroom: For visitor convenience
Event Spaces: Available for private and corporate events

Family and Community Engagement

The Open Art Museum is family-friendly, offering:

Free admission for children and youth
Interactive games like “Händy”
Special workshops and educational tours
Community events and participatory exhibitions
(openartmuseum.ch)

Getting There and Local Attractions

By Public Transport: 8-minute walk from St. Gallen’s main train station; bus lines 1, 3, and 5 stop nearby
By Car: Parking available at Pestalozzistrasse and nearby public garages
Nearby Attractions: UNESCO-listed Abbey District, Textile Museum, historic Old Town
(thisismysaintgallen.com), (myswitzerland.com)

Visitor Tips

Plan ahead: Check the museum’s website for current exhibitions and events
Photography: Permitted for private use without flash or tripods
Language: Exhibition texts are mainly in German; staff can assist with translations
Combine visits: Explore nearby cultural sites for a full day in St. Gallen
Accessibility needs: Contact the museum in advance for specific accommodations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Open Art Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Friday, 14:00–18:00; Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 12:00–17:00; closed Mondays and select holidays.

Q: How much is admission?
A: CHF 9 adults, CHF 6 reduced, free for children/youth up to 18 and Swiss Museum Pass holders.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by prior arrangement; workshops are also regularly scheduled.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Fully accessible for wheelchair users, with barrier-free facilities and materials in plain language.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, for personal use without flash or tripod.

Visuals and Media

Photo of the Open Art Museum building – alt text: “Exterior of Open Art Museum in St. Gallen showcasing modern architecture”
Artwork by Hans Krüsi – alt text: “Large expressive painting by Swiss Outsider artist Hans Krüsi”
Interactive family workshop – alt text: “Children and parents engaging with the Händy museum game at the Open Art Museum”

All images should use SEO-optimized alt text for improved accessibility and search visibility.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Open Art Museum St. Gallen is a vibrant and inclusive cultural landmark, offering unique insights into the world of Naive Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art. With dynamic exhibitions, educational programming, and a commitment to accessibility, it welcomes all visitors to engage with art beyond the mainstream. Enhance your experience with digital guides like the Audiala app and keep up-to-date via the museum’s website and social media. Plan your visit to discover creativity without boundaries and make the most of your time in St. Gallen’s rich cultural landscape.

For further information, virtual tours, and updates, visit the Open Art Museum website, and consider exploring the Textile Museum St. Gallen and other St. Gallen attractions.