Renzo Piano has built for the Beyeler Foundation probably the most civilized art gallery or museum in the world. Serene and tranquil both inside and out, the building is exciting in itself without in any way competing with the art it displays.

From outside, the approximately 127 meters-long building, which is shielded from traffic noise by a porphyry-clad external wall, resembles a ship lying anchored alongside the busy road. On passing through the entrance gate, one finds oneself in the calm of an English-style landscape park.

The transparent roof, with its highly sophisticated technology, provides the whole of the interior with the natural light so desirable for viewing works of art. At the building ends the glass roof extends generously beyond the glass walls and a further row of pillars, over the reflecting pool and the real-life water-lilies outside.