Interim Director and Head of Marketing at Basel Tourism

VOLTA Voices is a recurring interview series with vanguards of the contemporary art world, whose insights, experiences, concerns, and practices exemplify the very best of creative culture today. More than just experts, these friends of VOLTA are supporters, colleagues, friends, family.

In this edition, Kamiar Maleki speaks with Christoph Bosshardt, Interim Director and Head of Marketing at Basel Tourism. He is an expert for Basel’s rich cultural offerings for art and architecture and some hidden gems. Read the interview and learn more about Basel and why you should visit the city not only during Art Basel week in June.

Kamiar Maleki: Christoph! Tell us a bit about yourself and what makes you an advocate for Basel? 

Christoph Bosshardt: I was born and raised in Basel, so I'm a Basler through and through. I have been working for Basel Tourism for 13 years. Basel is a pocket-sized metropolis with a high quality of life so it is a great privilege to be able to work in and for such a beautiful city. Given its size, Basel has a great offer of art and culture.

Kamiar Maleki: What are the top three reasons everyone should visit the city, not only just in June during Art Basel week?

Christoph Bosshardt: In Basel, there is art on every corner; almost 40 museums, urban art, and high-class architecture which can be found throughout the city. You won't find a similar density of art, architecture, and culture anywhere else in Switzerland. Basel also offers unique experiences beyond the arts. Everyone should experience the Basel Carnival at least once in their lives. On Morgestraich, at exactly 4 AM, the lights go out all over the city, it becomes completely silent, then the city center turns into a sea of illuminated, hand-painted lanterns, with thousands of costumed pipers and drummers on the street — it’s magical!

Kamiar Maleki: How has tourism in Basel and in Switzerland changed over the past few years and which effects will remain for a while?

Christoph Bosshardt: The past two years have not been easy. We are a trade fair city and, above all else, a congress city. Our hearts beat faster when we can welcome guests from all over the world, which was only possible to a limited extent during the pandemic. Now we are confident that we can put the pandemic behind us, but the past few years also showed an increase and additional focus on leisure tourism.

Kamiar Maleki: With the art fairs transforming the city into an international platform for contemporary art, which specific role do they play for the city of Basel?

Christoph Bosshardt: Basel has been a trade fair city for 550 years, with a tradition going back to the Middle Ages. For the city of Basel, the fair is of great importance and it is the art fairs around Art Basel that transform the city into the capital of the art world once a year.

Kamiar Maleki: And how do satellite fairs, such as VOLTA, contribute to and benefit from this relationship?

Christoph Bosshardt: VOLTA Basel is an important part of the overall experience during Art Basel. The fair attracts a new audience and VOLTA contributes significantly to the diversity and good atmosphere in Basel.

Kamiar Maleki: Do you collect art yourself? Where do you find most of the art you buy?

Christoph Bosshardt: I have a small collection of local artists that I got from my parents. For me, however, it is more important to be able to see art than to own it. I'm happy when art is accessible to a wide audience and doesn't disappear behind walls.

50% DISCOUNT WITH BASEL CARD

The BaselCard is offered as a free bonus with every booking at a Basel hotel.

The BaselCard offers free use of public transport, free guest Wi-Fi in Basel, as well as 50% discount on museum admission, cultural and recreational offers. Show your BaselCard at the VOLTA ticket desk and receive a 50% discount on General Admission tickets.

Follow the city of Basel on Instagram at @baselswitzerland and connect with Kamiar Maleki at @kammaleki.