History & Architecture Walk November

Today the former brewery is home to museums, galleries, art and cultural foundations, as well as a bistro. In the 1980s, Zurich's industrial enterprises moved out of District 5, leaving many factories and warehouses vacant. The Löwenbräu brewery, which had been located here since the end of the 19th century, closed its doors in 1986. Exactly ten years later, in 1996, the Kunsthalle Zürich, the Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, and several galleries decided to move into the former industrial building. The site evolved into an internationally recognized center for contemporary art, and its galleries remain among the leading players in the international art market.

The history of the Löwenbräukunst complex is marked by continual renovations. A crucial turning point was its repurposing from a brewery to a site for art exhibition venues and galleries in the 1990s. From 2010 to 2014, the entire complex, including the historically protected buildings, was extensively expanded under the direction of architects Gigon/Guyer and Atelier WW. In addition to the expansion of the art center, a residential high-rise and an office building were constructed. The newly designed ensemble of galleries, art exhibition venue, and museum was reopened in August 2012 under the brand Löwenbräukunst Zürich. The unified branding was reinforced in 2019 by a new architectural connection between the buildings at Limmatstrasse 268 and 270.