Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921-90), writer and playwright, was also a passionate painter and illustrator. The permanent exhibition showcases his visual art as it relates to his literary œuvre, and also charts his life, the influence of his work and the relevance of his ideas to today’s world.
The visit starts with an introductory film. The exhibition also looks at his life through the people who mattered to him and who inspired his work.
The interactive globe explores the international response to his work and the journeys that inspired him. There is also an interactive map of Switzerland that allows visitors to explore Dürrenmatt’s links to Basel, Locarno, and other Swiss towns.
In the grand hall, there are gouaches, as well as a selection of drawings and engravings on key themes from his work: the Minotaur, the Tower of Babel and Atlas.
The CDN was built by Mario Botta around Dürrenmatt’s first home and also comprises a second villa, a studio, a pool and gardens. The museum showcases this unique cultural heritage.