Theaterplatz

The Theaterplatz

The Basel audio-guided tour leads you to the Theaterplatz, one of the liveliest cultural squares of the city. It brings together the grand theatre of Basel and the famous Tinguely fountain, in a resolutely artistic setting.

Theatre and Tinguely fountain

On the square stands the Theater Basel, the largest theatre of the city, inaugurated in its present form in 1975, where opera, theatre and ballet meet, with productions recognised well beyond Switzerland. Just beside, the Tinguely fountain, installed between 1975 and 1977 on the site of the former theatre, was conceived by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. Composed of large metal sculptures that move, turn and project water, this animated work evokes the world of performance and the spirit of the Basel carnival.

What there is to see

The square is dominated by the modern architecture of the theatre, with its wide suspended concrete canopy, and enlivened by the permanent mechanical ballet of the Tinguely fountain. It is a meeting place between contemporary art and cultural life, where it is pleasant to linger to observe the moving sculptures. An essential stop for those interested in Basel artistic creation.

Practical information

The Theaterplatz is in the centre of Basel. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level; the Tinguely fountain can be contemplated freely. The Theater Basel opens to the public on the occasion of performances, according to the programme and the hours of the season.

Who created the fountain of the Theaterplatz?

The Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, between 1975 and 1977; his animated metal sculptures project water in a mechanical ballet.

What is the Theater Basel?

The largest theatre of the city, inaugurated in its present form in 1975, where opera, theatre and ballet meet.