A diverse weekend of art in Basel
The Swiss city of Basel is renowned for its world-class art galleries and museums, making it one of Europe's top cultural destinations, and the perfect place for an enriching weekend trip.
The city will once again take centre stage this autumn and winter thanks to two very different exhibitions: "Andy Warhol. The Early Sixties" (5 September 2010 – 23 January 2011) highlights some of the artist's key pieces of work from 1961 to 1964, whilst "Wien 1900" (26 September 2010 - 16 January 2011) offers insight into Gustav Klimt's and Egon Schiele's fin-de siècle Vienna. Basel's leading Deluxe hotel, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, has created a special "Arts and Culture" package in honour of the two exhibitions.
"Andy Warhol. The Early Sixties" will be housed at the Kunstmuseum, one of the world's leading - and oldest - museums, which also possesses the largest art collection in Switzerland. The exhibition features works from the artist's seminal years from 1961 - 1964, and includes the renowned Star series of Elvis and Liz, a gallery of Death & Disaster, and the first flower series of 1964. Some 70 paintings and drawings will be on view, making the exhibition a must for fans of Warhol's ouevre.
Across town at the Fondation Beyeler "Wien 1900" paints a captivating picture of fin-de-siècle Vienna, one of the birth places of modern art. The exhibition focuses on Gustav Klimt's renowned ornamental paintings as well as his protegé Egon Schiele's erotic figurative depictions.
The exhibition brings together an exhilarating selection of the artists' masterworks from museums and private collections around the world, resulting in a unique insight into one of the most riveting periods in Viennese history. The Fondation Beyeler, which is often referred to as one of the most tranquil museums in the world, provides the perfect setting for Vienna 1900. It has been designed by Renzo Piano, who also masterminded the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Art lovers wishing to fully experience these two extraordinary exhibitions during a weekend trip should take advantage of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois' "Arts and Culture" package.
The five-star superior Les Trois Rois is one of Europe's oldest city hotels and exudes the charm and grandeur of days gone by, with art deco interiors and individually furnished rooms and suites featuring antique furniture and works of art.
Previous guests who have enjoyed the hotel's opulent surroundings include Napoleon, Elizabeth II, Pablo Picasso and Thomas Mann, making this the place to stay for a refined cultural weekend. The hotel is one of Basel's most important landmarks and is ideally located on the banks of the River Rhine, in the heart of the Old Town.
After an inspiring day absorbing the exhibitions' fine works of art, guests can relax by an open fire in Les Trois Rois' decadent bar and sample The Andy Warhol burger (Warhol's favourite dish) as well as The Andy Warhol signature cocktail, which has been created in the artist's honour. The bar will also be serving Viennese specialty coffees every afternoon throughout the Vienna 1900 exhibition.
Guests can continue their artistic journey in the spectacular two-star Michelin 'Cheval Blanc' fine dining restaurant; the 'French Brasserie' with views onto the River Rhine; or 'Chez Donati', a stylish Italian restaurant serving home-made pasta, which is also home to an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Les Trois Rois' "Arts and Culture" package includes:
* Two nights in a luxurious room or suite
* Sumptuous breakfast buffet or continental breakfast in your room
* Admission to the Andy Warhol and Vienna 1900 exhibitions with the Upper Rhine Museum Pass (valid for 48 hours)
* An illustrated book on the history of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois - "Glimpses of the past"
* Mobility ticket (free use of public transport in Basel)
* Complimentary use of the hotel's spa facilities (sauna and fitness room)
The package costs from 640 CHF (approx. £414) for a Single Room or 1080 CHF (approx. £700) for a Double Room. It will be available until 16 January 2011 and is subject to availability.
For further information about the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois visit: lestroisrois.com
More information on the Warhol exhibition can be found at: kunstmuseumbasel.ch
More information on the Vienna 1900 exhibition can be found on: beyeler.com