TAKE A FRESH LOOK
Switzerland's best brutalist icons
And where to find them
MAPS
Our CARTE BRUTE maps offer a fresh and very easy new way to discover Switzerland’s brutalist classics and contemporary reinterpretations – for everybody.
OBJECTS, CITY GUIDES AND BRUTALISM-BASICS
Want to learn more about the icons? Our object compendium has got you covered. Plus our handy guides help you push your brutalist fitness to the next level.
WALKS & RIDES
Explore striking brutalist icons, learn their stories and discover surprising details and fun facts. Whether you’re a brutalism fan or want to see your city with fresh eyes, this tour is for you. Available as a classic walk or bike ride. The route can be completely customised to make each tour a unique experience. Ideal for solo explorers and groups up to 25 people. Your expert guide is HEARTBRUT director Karin Bürki.
Locations: Zurich, Basel or your personal brutalist hotspot
Duration: 2-4 hours
Languages: German or English
Ideal for: individuals, groups, team events
Need some inspiration? Take a look at our past tours below.
Ready to explore? Get in touch to plan your personal tour.
12.10.24 HEARTBRUT x VN RESIDENCY: WALK
Do you love modern architecture, art and the lakeside promenade? Then this VN Residency guided tour from the Kunsthaus to Pavillon Le Corbusier and more post-war icons on the right bank of Lake Zurich with writer and HEARTBRUT director Karin Bürki is for you.
Images: Roxana Calin
28.9.24 HEARTBRUT x OPEN HOUSE ZURICH: RIDE 2
Do you love modern architecture, art and the lakeside promenade? Then this Open House Zurich bike tour from the Kunsthaus to Pavillon Le Corbusier and more post-war icons on the right bank of Lake Zurich with writer and HEARTBRUT director Karin Bürki is for you.
Composite: Karin Bürki / HEARTBRUT
24.9.24 HEARTBRUT x OPEN HOUSE ZURICH: RIDE 1
Nowhere is Zurich more urban and lively than in the arc between Europaallee, Letten Viaduct and Platzspitz. Do you want to explore the transformation from industrial area to hip hotspot by bike? Then this free Open House Zurich bike tour with writer and HEARTBRUT director Karin Bürki is for you.
Images: Cindy Hertach / Karin Bürki
SAVE THE DATE
SINCE 04.04.25 "REGINA - EIN WARENHAUS ALS SPIEGEL DER ZEIT", DIETIKON PROJEKTRAUM
Dive into the history of the brutalist icon Kaufhaus Regina in Dietikon, Zurich. I have contributed a text on Brutalism and a Carte Brute Zurich map.
60 years after its opening, the Regina department store is getting its own exhibition. What did this striking brutalist building mean to people? What visions were associated with it? And what does the Regina tell us today about the transformation of commerce, architecture and society? The exhibition explores consumerism, internationalism and social change – told through the stories and memories of former shop assistants and locals.
An exhibition by Dietikon Projektraum, curated by Kim Anni Bassen
Private view & apéro 04.04.25
From 5 pm
Dietikon Projektraum
Zentralstrasse 12
8953 Dietikon
Through to November 2025
Image: via Dietikon Projektraum
24.05 HEARTBRUT x OPEN HOUSE BASEL: BRUTAL BASEL RIDE
Brutalism is back thanks to the Oscar-winning movie ‘The Brutalist’. Reason enough to rediscover Basel’s concrete icons – which are anything but grey and ugly. Our ride takes you to nine striking landmarks at the intersection of architecture and art, across the city and through the ages: from the pioneers of the early 20th century to classics of the 60s and 70s – the golden age of brutalism – to contemporary reinterpretations. Perfect for lovers of brutalism and anyone who wants to experience Basel in a brutally brilliant new way.
Brutal Basel Ride
Free
24.05
Suits: E-bikes & fit urban riders
Time: 10 am – 1.45 pm
More details and reservations:
TBA in April on OPEN HOUSE BASEL
Image: Karin Bürki / HEARTBRUT
25.05 HEARTBRUT x OPEN HOUSE BASEL: GUIDED TOUR OF SCHOOL OF DESIGN & MAURERHALLE
Join me on two expert guided tours of the Basel School of Design and the Maurerhalle. Find out how this ambitious architectural project, once rejected by the locals in a referendum, became a hotspot not only for Swiss concrete modernism, but also for graphic design. I’ll walk you through the architectural and art must-sees and will take you to hidden highlights such as the stylish lounge on the top floor and the terraces with panoramic views of Basel. See you there?
25.05
German: 4 pm
English: 5 pm
Group size: 25 people
First come – first served
Meeting point: outside Maurerhalle
Vogelsangstrasse 15
4058 Basel
Images: Karin Bürki / OHBS
STUDIO
COMING SOON
