A museum exhibition for everyone!

There’s one thing we’d like to address right off the bat: We’re absolutely thrilled—and at the same time, a little daunted—by our own idea. In fact, 584 participants have signed up for our “Unjurierte Werkschau.” Was it a silly idea? Probably yes. Should we go for it anyway? Also yes.

Because the “Unjurierte” format highlights exactly the themes that interest us. After all, that’s the central question of our association: What does a museum look like when it’s run by independent actors?

For one year, our association has been granted the privilege of using the incredible spaces in the former museum in Selnau. This much space for non-commercial and experimental art is one-of-a-kind! We want to make the most of this privilege and share it with as many people as possible. That’s why we’re designing an experimental, low-threshold, and open format: our first Unjurierte Werkschau for the City and Canton of Zurich.

Size limit: Entrance door

The conditions for participation are limited only by a few formal criteria. The entrance door determines the maximum size of the works. Participants must have a connection to the region. They must register by the deadline and bring their works to the venue on the day of submission.

With our Unjurierten, we are continuing a long tradition. In the past, Zurich has hosted extraordinary exhibition formats. One example is Kunst: Szene Zürich. For decades, it was a highly regarded and popular event. The format was open, inviting, and accessible.

Even today, issues surrounding accessibility remain relevant. Who can participate in exhibitions? Who is given space? Whose work remains unseen? These are the questions we want to explore. Selnau is the perfect venue for this.

Probably Switzerlands biggest art experiment

Unjurierte is a major experiment. We are aware that this format raises questions about quality, visibility, responsibility, and power. We know that making access as open as possible does not automatically lead to an open exhibition. Numerous other questions will certainly arise along the way, and we are still searching for the answers to them.

But our time at the Selnau is limited. That’s why we don’t want to wait until we have the perfect solution for everything—we want to seize this opportunity. Perhaps Unjurierte will be overcrowded; perhaps it will be surprising, chaotic, contradictory, scattered, or indecisive. Some things will certainly work; others probably won’t. We’re convinced that this is precisely what makes the project interesting.

We admit that it’s quite an experiment. But where else should we dare to experiment if not in Selnau? We welcome everyone who’d like to take this risk with us!

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Unjurierte Werkschau

20. November – 5. December 2026

Vernissage: 19. November

Times to be announced.

Opening hours:

Thursday - Saturday

16:00 – 19:00