Discover Germany | Special Theme | Basel City Special
Making architecture accessible to a broad public Established in 1984, the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum is the leading institution in the mediation of contemporary architecture in Switzerland. TEXT: NADINE CARSTENS, SWISS ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM I PHOTOS: SWISS ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM, CHRISTIAN KAHL
Located in Basel, right in the centre of Swiss cultural and architectural discourse, the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum is surrounded by outstanding classic modernist and contemporary structures. It is the perfect place for facilitating crossborder connections and international exchange, linking professional discourse with a wider audience. By showing up to four temporary exhibitions every year, S AM has specialised in the key programme elements ‘interdisciplinary’ and ‘history and the present’. Not only professionals like architects, engineers and planners are attracted to this programme, which includes a variety of events, but also visitors without an architectural background. “What makes architecture so special is that everyone is
confronted with it, whereas different kinds of art are usually presented in certain spatial institutions, for example a gallery or a concert hall,”says the new director Andreas Ruby. Therefore, he and his team want to address a broader public in future:“I would like to show more easily accessible forms of exhibitions that convey their subject matter in a sensory and multilayered way,”
Off to Roman antiquity Augusta Raurica is a real historical treasure trove. It is the best-preserved ancient theatre north of the Alps, the largest late antique silver treasure and the longest accessible wastewater channel from the Roman period. TEXT: AUGUSTA RAURICA I PHOTOS: SUSANNE SCHENKER
A visit to Augusta Raurica is not just about looking at things. Participation is everything – and experiencing what it would have been like to live in antiquity. Bake bread in a wood-fired oven, make pottery like the Romans did or have a picnic at the amphitheatre – there are many
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ways to experience the past. The huge variety of activities and the wonderful surroundings make the site a unique destination for an unforgettable day out. The largest Roman festival in Switzerland should also not be missed. At the annual Roman festival (Saturday, 27
Ruby explains.“I am interested in the art of presenting exhibitions without any fear of being popular, playful or humorous.” Until the end of September visitors can see an exhibition dedicated to the Swiss architect André M. Studer, who has a special significance in post-war Swiss architecture. Whereas this exhibition was curated by the former director Hubertus Adam, Ruby will open his first exhibition in November. www.sam-basel.org Left: Exterior view of the S AM Swiss Architecture Museum. Middle: André M. Studer: Haus Hubert Studer, Bärgiswil. Right: Lassalle-Haus, Bad Schönbrunn.
Left: Milling grain at Augusta Raurica. Middle: Augusta Raurica’s theatre in summer. Right: Augusta Raurica’s Roman festival.
August, 10am–7pm and Sunday, 28 August, 10am–5pm) over 700 participants breathe life into the venerable monuments of the ancient Roman town. Gladiator fights, chariot racing for families, dance performances and over 30 activities in which all ages can take part, make this an unforgettable occasion. Add food and drink to suit every taste – including unfamiliar Roman delicacies – and the excursion to the ancient world becomes an all-round success for everyone. Why not join us? www.augusta-raurica.ch