INDOC. Documentation Centre about Art and Nature

Schoenthal Monastery

In the heart of Switzerland, less than 50 km from Basel, there is a sculpture park situated on the land of the Schoenthal Monastery, which was founded in the 12th century. The sculpture park, created in 2000, features work by artists who have achieved international prominence.

Over the last several decades a series of decisions affecting this landscape paved the way for the creation of the park. In 1967 legislation enacted by the canton of Basel protected the church of the monastery, and in the 1980s and 1990s the building was renovated and a number of archaeological studies were carried out. Finally, in 2000 ‘Sculpture at Schoenthal’ was created as a space for holding cultural events, and one year later John Schmid converted the entire complex into a foundation.

The park now includes over 20 works intended to intensify perception of the natural environment that surrounds them. Visitors can reach the works easily by following suggested routes. The church of the monastery has also been converted into a hall where contemporary art is exhibited. Artists represented in the park include Ian Hamilton Finlay, Tony Cragg, Tadashi Kawamata, Roman Signer, David Nash and Ulrich Rückriem.

The facilities at Schoenthal make it possible to hold seminars, workshops and other events in buildings with a rich history. The complex also includes a hostel with a number of rooms in a rustic style, which helps ensure a pleasant visit.

Finally, the park has a library and information centre and a shop-bookshop, where visitors will find a wide range of publications.

More information

Sculpture at Schoental Monastery
CH-4438 Langenbruck 

Tel.: +41 62 390 11 60
Fax: +41 62 390 20 16

E-mail: mail@schoenthal.ch

• Website: http://www.schoenthal.ch

Source: Text and photos based on information provided by the Schoenthal Monastery.

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