When one enters its heart, one will discover a plethora of private events and art gallery viewings, each more enticing than the last. Zurich promises a journey of exploration, refinement, and unrivalled luxury for its finest guests, from silenced corridors echoing tales of time to grand soirées that set the gold standard for magnificence. As the beating heart of Swiss culture and luxury, the city hosts an array of events that are nothing short of luxurious.
The Zurich Film Festival: More Than Just Films
For movie fans and industry insiders, the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is an event marked with anticipation. Every autumn, it serves as a stage for some of the most promising up-and-coming filmmakers from all around the world.
In the “Gala Premieres” section, excitingly anticipated film premieres by established filmmakers are celebrated every evening, mostly in the presence of the director and cast, with both feature film and larger documentary productions being shown. The films are presented as world, European, German-language, or Swiss premieres. The “Special Screenings” include a selection of unique festival hits and brand-new films from the fields of fiction and documentary, whether artistic, experimental, or taken from life. And finally, the “Hashtag” section is dedicated to films that focus on current topics and themes that dominate conversations around the world.
With more than 130’000 cinema visits, the ZFF is now the second largest film festival in the German-speaking world. It was listed among the Guardian’s top 10 coolest European film festivals.
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VIP access to ZFF provides exclusive preview screenings, which means watching films before their official release, then personalised concierge services such as customised schedules, private transfers, and immediate seating arrangements, and finally networking opportunities with rub shoulders with international celebrities, producers, and directors at private events and soirées.
Zurich’s High-End Art Scene
Zurich’s reputation as a global art hub is well-earned, thanks to a combination of visionary artists, astute collectors, and dedicated gallery owners.
With headquarters in Zurich, Galerie Gmurzynska is a reputable commercial art gallery renowned for its specialisation in modern, contemporary art and works by the Russian avant-garde. It became a popular venue for international collectors seeking Russian art that was banned by the Soviet regime and, according to Artnet, became the “go-to place for Russian art for international collectors”. Over the years, it has showcased masterpieces from illustrious artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, or Roberto Matta.
Hauser & Wirth is a prominent gallery known for its diverse collection, which includes artworks by both emerging and established artists as well as significant 20th-century masterpieces. The gallery is located in a former brewery in Zurich that architect Annabelle Selldorf converted into a contemporary art space while preserving its original industrial design. Some notable artists and estates represented by the gallery include Mark Bradford, Roni Horn, Paul McCarthy, George Condo, Pipilotti Rist, Lorna Simpson, Avery Singer, Rashid Johnson, Stefan Brüggemann, Christina Quarles, and the estates of Philip Guston, Louise Bourgeois, and Jack Whitten, among many others.
The City of Art Auctions
High-profile auctions that draw members of the global elite regularly update the city’s art scene. Since Christie’s Zurich office was opened in 1978, it has become a hub for Swiss collectors in all fields. The Zurich office regularly hosts online and live auctions, lectures, charity auctions, cocktails, and previews of highlights of the upcoming auctions in Geneva, London, Paris, New York, and Hong Kong.
Sotheby’s has had a strong presence in Zurich since 1969 and was the first regional office to open in Europe. The gallery provides complimentary inventories and valuations for the purposes of selling, insurance, estate, tax, or collection management. Its experts advise you on buying and selling at Sotheby’s, whether at auction or privately, and at one of our international or local auctions. Twice a year, in June and December, the works of Swiss and international artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries are offered here. In addition, Sotheby´s Switzerland exhibits highlights from our international auctions taking place in London, New York, and Paris throughout the year. The upcoming cross-category sale in Zurich will be open for bidding online from December 5 to 12, 2023.
Founded in 1958 by Pierre Koller, Koller Auctions is now the largest Swiss auction house and one of the leading auction houses in Europe. With headquarters in Zurich and branches and representative offices in Geneva, Munich, Düsseldorf, Florence, and Beijing, the house conducts approximately 80 saleroom and online auctions annually in 20 collecting categories, each overseen by a dedicated team of specialists. Among their specialties are Old Master and 19th Century Paintings & Drawings, Modern & Contemporary Art, Swiss Art, Photography, Furniture, Silver, Porcelain, Books & Autographs, Art Nouveau & Art Deco, Design, Wine, Vintage, Jewellery or Watches, and Asian Art. As a family business now run by the second generation, whereby the third generation is already active, the philosophy is customer-oriented, and Koller´s outlook is long-term.
