Unterrainstrasse 5

Kunstmuseum Appenzell opened in 1998 and was designed by architects Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer. Its façade, clad in sandblasted stainless steel panels, echoes the traditional shingle-clad houses of the Appenzell region. Inside, a sequence of ten exhibition galleries, each with its own proportions, creates a varied journey through the building. Large windows frame views of the surrounding landscape, while north-facing rooflights in the sawtooth roof provide soft, even daylight. As the weather and time of day change, so too does the quality of light, shaping the way visitors experience the art. Pale concrete floors and a restrained palette of materials lend the interiors a sense of clarity and calm. The architecture brings together art, light and landscape to create a distinctive spatial experience.

Ziegeleistrasse 14

Kunsthalle Appenzell occupies a former brickworks dating back to the 16th century, which was repeatedly altered and extended over the centuries. In 2003, architect Robert Bamert transformed the building into a venue for art and culture. At its heart stands the historic circular kiln, a reminder of the building’s industrial past. A newly inserted concrete structure combines with the original brickwork and timber framework to create a richly layered architecture. The interplay between old and new gives each space its own character. Today, these spaces host exhibitions, concerts and a wide range of cultural events. Alongside art and music, the Open Space forms a third pillar of the institution: a freely accessible place for people to meet, exchange ideas and pursue their own activities. The Kunsthalle also houses a studio, an art library and a bistro with a garden.