Foundation E. G. Buhrle Collection, Zurich

The Foundation E. G. Buhrle Collection is a prestigious art museum in Zürich, focusing on European sculptures and paintings. Founded by the Bührle family, it aims to share Emil Georg Bührle's remarkable art collection with the public. The museum is located in a villa adjacent to Bührle's former residence, adding historical and personal significance to the collection.

In a notable move to make the collection more accessible, a significant portion was displayed in 2021 on a 20-year loan in a new extension of the Kunsthaus Zürich museum. This exhibition allowed a wider audience to appreciate the beauty and historical significance of the artworks.

The collection is well-known for its emphasis on French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, featuring works by renowned artists such as Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet. It also includes pieces by Old Masters and Modern artists like Pablo Picasso.

However, the collection and the foundation have faced controversy regarding suspicions that some works were looted from Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II. Additionally, the foundation's management history, particularly under the leadership of Dieter Bührle, has been criticized. Dieter Bührle was sentenced to a conditional prison term in 1970 for supplying weapons to the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Despite these controversies, the Foundation E. G. Bührle Collection remains an important cultural institution in Switzerland, providing valuable insights into European art history. Its contributions to the art world and educational opportunities make it an integral part of Zurich's cultural scene.