Vitra Campus

Cool design hub. The architecture is very cool and the guided tour was informative. The slide was closed, despite being within the open hours, this was disappointing. The campus is quite large and does a good job showcasing artistic design, but the entire place insists upon itself. I suggest being into modern architecture and design for it to be worthwhile.

The Vitra Campus is an incredibly impressive site, showcasing works by some of the most renowned architects in the world. It stands as a testament to innovative design and its contributions to the architectural and design community are truly significant. From the sculptural forms of Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid to the refined craftsmanship of Herzog & de Meuron and the serene simplicity of Tadao Ando, the campus offers a diverse and inspiring journey through contemporary architecture. Its role in fostering a global appreciation for design is undeniable, making it a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts. That said, my experience with the architecture tour had some shortcomings: In Tadao Ando's building, we couldn’t access the conference area or the rooftop terrace because the guide said they didn’t have the key. Apparently, it’s sometimes available and sometimes not, but this explanation was unsatisfactory. Additionally, the guide didn’t point out the leaf-patterned concrete detail in this building. Later research revealed its existence, and not seeing it was disappointing. For many structures, we could only view them from the outside. For example, remarks like “You can peek inside through the glass windows of X building” left me feeling unsatisfied with the tour. We were able to enter SANAA’s warehouse building, which was a nice experience despite photography being prohibited inside. Unfortunately, we couldn’t access Grimshaw’s buildings. Zaha Hadid’s Fire Station was part of the tour, and it was truly impressive. However, Renzo Piano’s structure wasn’t even mentioned. Even though the tour is limited to two hours, I believe it should at least provide an overview of all the buildings on the campus so visitors can explore further on their own afterward. Preferably, necessary measures should be taken to unlock certain areas for a more comprehensive experience.

I loved the architecture of all the buildings, from the Vitra Haus with its current shop and home designs, the museum and the Schaudepot. The slide is an awesome addition, as is the garden with its wild flowers. Even the food at the cafe was tasty, including the cakes. It's a great stop to and from Switzerland! Check the times for the architecture tour if you're interested in it, especially for visiting the fire station as you can only get it with a tour.

Anyone that appreciates craftsmanship and design, will spend many hours here, a feast to the eye

An amazing experience that surpassed all my expectations! Absolutely a must if you want to see Germany at its best.

Viewing tower and slide designed by Carsten Höller. If you enjoy descending rock, enjoy this slide for free. Don't forget to enjoy the view on your way down~ 😉

Dreamy place to dwell :) There are iconic designs that reflect the Bauhaus principles!

So cool.