The Artwork of the Future
Richard Wagner and Zurich (1849 – 1858)
Richard Wagner spent nine years in Zurich as a political refugee; this period belongs to the most creative years of his life. Besides writing his famous treatise on the «Art Work of the Future», Wagner began the composition of «Tristan and Isolde», thus inaugurating the «modern era» in the history of music. The city on the Limmat honoured its guest with a three-day Wagner festival – the first ever held – in May 1853. Wagners stay in Zurich and the important oeuvre he created here come to life in a special exhibition presented at the Bärengasse Museum, to be opened on June 24. A number of rarely shown manuscripts and personal belongings never presented before recall the crucial years in Zurich. They are supplemented by original pictures, documents and audio installations. The exhibition was created by the Swiss National Museum and the Music Department of the Zurich University and stands under the patronage of Dr Peter Stüber, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Museum Bärengasse, Zurich
Bärengasse 20-22 (near Paradeplatz)
Open Tuesdays 2pm to 8pm, Wednesday
through Sunday 2 pm to 6 pm
Admission CHF 8.-, red. 6.-
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