Basel, Switzerland, is spotlighting two major art exhibitions in spring 2026. The Fondation Beyeler presents a solo show of French painter Paul Cézanne, featuring around 80 works including his celebrated "Bathers" series, running until May 25. On May 1, the museum will host a "Day of the Bathers" where visitors in swimwear receive free admission, inspired by Cézanne and provocateur Maurizio Cattelan. Meanwhile, the Kunstmuseum Basel is showing "The First Homosexuals," an exhibition examining the birth of the word "homosexual" in 1868–69 and its impact on identity and visual representation through over 80 works from the 19th century.
These exhibitions matter because they underscore Basel's role as a dynamic cultural destination that balances historical reflection with avant-garde programming. The Cézanne show highlights the enduring influence of a modern master, while "The First Homosexuals" addresses queer history and representation, a topic that remains globally relevant. Together, they demonstrate how Basel's museums—including the Fondation Beyeler, which attracted nearly 509,000 visitors in 2025—continue to push boundaries and attract diverse audiences, from art collectors to casual tourists.