From July 3 to October 25, 2026, the Kunsthaus Zurich hosts the first large museum retrospective in Switzerland dedicated to Wilhelm Hammershoi. Entitled Attention to silence, the exhibition aims to bring back to the public the work of one of the most singular protagonists of European painting between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Considered a central figure in the Danish art scene of his time, Hammershøi is often compared to Johannes Vermeer, so much so that he was nicknamed the "Vermeer of the North." His works, characterized by bare interiors and silent urban views, construct a simple yet densely evocative visual universe.
Empty spaces, subtle presences
Hammershøi's canvases feature almost uninhabited environments: bare rooms, deserted squares, everyday objects stripped to the bare essentials. When human figures appear, they are often portrayed from behind—as in the case of his wife Ida—contributing to a deliberately suspended narrative.
The focus is thus on light, space, and atmosphere. An empty chair, a plate on a table, a hanging painting: minimal elements that take on an unexpected visual and symbolic weight. The writer Heimito von Doderer he spoke of a “silence of furniture,” an expression that seems to fit perfectly with these austere and meditative interiors.
The art of nuances
One of the most distinctive aspects of Hammershøi's work is his chromatic sensitivity. His compositions are based on subtle variations of muted hues, subtle plays of light, and shadows that fall across pale surfaces.
The repetition of similar motifs—rooms, windows, furniture—does not create monotony, but rather invites a heightened perception. It is precisely these almost imperceptible differences that guide the viewer's gaze, making them an active participant in the visual experience.
Artistic dialogues and modernity
Although often described as a reserved artist, Hammershøi was in dialogue with the international trends of his time. He particularly admired James McNeill Whistler, known for his harmonic compositions and for using musical titles such as “arrangements” or “symphonies”.
This affinity is reflected in the progressive elimination of anecdote in favor of pure formal research. This approach makes Hammershøi's work surprisingly modern, also bringing it closer to later artistic experiences, such as those of Giorgio Morandi, with his still lifes built on minimal variations and controlled repetitions.
Silence as a sound dimension
The exhibition's title also suggests a less obvious but significant connection: that between painting and music. Instruments such as pianos, violins, and cellos appear in several paintings, while music had a tangible place in the artist's life—Hammershøi himself played the cello.
The silence evoked by his works is not absence, but expectation: a subtle tension that recalls the moment before the start of a concert.
An exhibition beyond the interiors
The Zurich exhibition isn't limited to famous domestic interiors. It also includes lesser-known portraits, landscapes, and cityscapes, offering a broader overview of the artist's work.
Furthermore, the journey connects Hammershøi with other authors, building a sort of "silent history of art". Among these are: Jacobus Vrel, Adolph menzel e Michael Borremans, united by a similar sensitivity in the representation of suspended atmospheres.
Curatorship and international collaboration
The exhibition is curated by Jonas Beyer e Sandra Gianfreda and is the result of a collaboration with the National Museum Thyssen-BornemiszaThe project received support from several institutions, including cultural foundations and private partners.
Catalog and collateral activities
The exhibition is accompanied by an illustrated catalogue in German and English featuring contributions from international scholars. The volume will be available at the museum from its opening.
Public guided tours are also planned on various dates, in German and English, as well as meetings with the curators. All updated information on opening hours, tickets, and the program is available on the official website:
www.kunsthaus.ch/fr/besuch-planen
www.kunsthaus.ch/fr/programm
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online: tickets.kunsthaus.ch
For further tourist information:
www.zuerich.com
