St. Moritz’s Thriving Art and Culture Scene in 2024

St. Moritz has long been synonymous with luxury, winter sports, and breathtaking alpine landscapes, but its cultural renaissance is now impossible to ignore. While it has always held a quiet allure for artists, collectors, and creatives, 2024 marks a defining moment in the town’s evolution as an art and culture powerhouse. With a dynamic influx of international galleries, boundary-pushing exhibitions, and high-profile cultural events, St. Moritz is carving out its place on the global stage in a way that feels both organic and electric.

The seeds of this transformation were planted decades ago when Swiss art dealer Bruno Bischofberger opened the town’s first gallery in 1963. Attracted by the dramatic mountain vistas and an atmosphere of refined exclusivity, artists, writers, and collectors began to make St. Moritz their creative retreat. Over the years, the town has seen legends such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Julian Schnabel leave their artistic imprint. Today, that legacy continues with a new wave of galleries, curated events, and immersive experiences that are elevating St. Moritz’s cultural cachet to unprecedented heights.

One of the most significant contributors to this renaissance is Nomad Circle, a traveling art fair founded by Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte and Giorgio Pace. Nomad redefines the art fair experience by bringing top contemporary galleries and collectible design into intimate, unexpected settings. Past editions in St. Moritz have been staged in striking locations, from historic hotels to Engadin-style farmhouses. The fair’s success has solidified St. Moritz as a prime destination for international art collectors, reinforcing its growing reputation as a contemporary art hub.

Another key player in this cultural evolution is Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz, an extension of the world-renowned Swiss gallery. Since its opening in 2018, the gallery has become a vital part of the local art scene, seamlessly blending its cutting-edge exhibitions with the region’s deep artistic heritage. Senior Director Barbara Corti highlights the Engadin’s longstanding role as a creative sanctuary, once home to visionaries like Friedrich Nietzsche, Thomas Mann, and Vaslav Nijinsky. Through collaborations with institutions like the Segantini Museum and Nietzsche-Haus, Hauser & Wirth continues to bridge the past with the present, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience against the backdrop of the Alps.

Beyond galleries, St. Moritz has also become the stage for one of the most stylish and unique automotive events in the world: The International Concours of Elegance (I.C.E.). Founded by Marco Makaus, this winter spectacle transforms the town’s frozen lake into a glamorous showcase for classic cars, drawing an elite crowd of collectors and enthusiasts. With mink coats, vintage automobiles, and a setting unlike any other, I.C.E. embodies the perfect fusion of art, craftsmanship, and high society. Makaus sees St. Moritz as the ideal home for the event, not just for its stunning scenery but for its long-standing relationship with art, design, and luxury.

Vito Schnabel, the son of famed artist Julian Schnabel, has also played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s contemporary art landscape. When legendary Swiss dealer Bruno Bischofberger decided to close his St. Moritz gallery, Schnabel seized the opportunity to take over the space, turning it into the first European outpost of Vito Schnabel Gallery. The gallery has since become a beacon for both established names and emerging talent, showcasing works by Ai Weiwei, Man Ray, and Ron Gorchov, while introducing young artists like Angel Otero and Ariana Papademetropoulos to the European market.

Adding another layer to St. Moritz’s cultural identity is Suvretta House, a historic luxury hotel that has long been a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Under the guidance of Marketing Manager Florian Thöni, the hotel has embraced the town’s artistic momentum, curating its own gallery space and collaborating with renowned brands on exclusive cultural events. From hosting Leica photography workshops to partnering with cutting-edge designers, Suvretta House is seamlessly blending its storied past with the pulse of contemporary creativity.

As 2024 unfolds, St. Moritz is proving that it is far more than just a winter playground for the elite. It is a town where art, history, and luxury intersect in ways that feel effortless and inevitable. Whether through the intimate exhibitions of Nomad Circle, the groundbreaking installations at Hauser & Wirth, the opulence of I.C.E., or the creative energy pulsing through Vito Schnabel Gallery, St. Moritz has cemented itself as a cultural destination that rivals the world’s most celebrated art capitals. This is not just a moment—it is the beginning of a new era.