After Switzerland’s Eurovision win earlier this year, next year’s host city Basel, offers easy access to international delegates due to its location near the borders shared by France and Germany, as well as some truly impressive venues.
Basel, recently announced as the host city for Eurovision 2025, stands out as an exceptional destination for international events. This Swiss city, located at the junction of Switzerland, Germany, and France, is renowned for its thriving cultural scene, rich history, and strong commitment to modernity. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from major European cities, while its efficient public transportation network ensures
a smooth experience for both event organisers and attendees. In addition to its cultural and logistical strengths, Basel is home to world-class venues that cater to events of all sizes, from intimate corporate meetings to large-scale international festivals.
Its more than just a well-connected city; it offers a wealth of experiences that make it a captivating place for any visitor. With its picturesque old town, numerous museums, and vibrant art scene, event attendees have plenty to explore in their downtime. The city’s accommodation options are equally impressive, with everything from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses. Whether it’s a major entertainment event like Eurovision, a corporate conference, or an industry exhibition, Basel is well- equipped to provide a memorable and successful event experience.
St. Jakobshalle
One of the premier venues in Basel is St. Jakobshalle, an expansive facility boasting 11 halls under one roof. Situated in the heart of the tri-national region that connects Switzerland, Germany, and France, this venue offers a remarkable 20,000 sq. metres of space, making it an ideal choice for large-scale events.
St. Jakobshalle has been a prominent event destination since 1976, and after its renovation in 2018, it now ranks as one of the most versatile event halls in Europe; its adaptability is unmatched.
One of the key advantages is its dedicated in-house team, which provides all-around support for event organisers. From technical expertise to logistical planning, the team is experienced in managing a wide range of events. Moreover, the venue’s gastronomy department ensures that delegates enjoy top-notch catering, tailored to suit the nature of the event.
The arena itself, which can host up to 12,400 delegates, is the heart of the venue. It’s the go-to for large events, with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and seating facilities, the arena guarantees an unforgettable experience for both performers and audiences.
Messe Congress Centre
The Messe Congress Centre is another stellar venue that reflects the city’s capability to host international events. Located near the borders of France and Germany, it is deeply integrated into Europe’s trade fair circuit. The venue boasts five generously sized halls and 25 modern conference rooms, making it highly adaptable for events ranging from trade fairs and congresses to corporate gatherings and public exhibitions. With over 100 years of experience as an exhibition organiser, the Messe Congress Centre has a wealth of knowledge to share with event planners.
This venue is committed to environmentally friendly practices, offering renewable energy options, locally sourced catering, and excellent public transport connectivity. This eco-conscious approach aligns well with the growing demand for sustainable event solutions. The centre’s prime location, just a short walk from Basel’s city centre, also ensures that visitors can enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Volkshaus
For a more historic yet equally modern venue, Volkshaus is a fantastic choice. This traditional building has been beautifully renovated to offer state-of-the-art event facilities while maintaining its historical charm. Located in the heart of Basel, Volkshaus features three event venues and a meeting room, with foyer spaces ranging from 16 to 1,200 people, making it suitable for a wide variety of occasions.
What sets Volkshaus Basel apart is its commitment to providing a comprehensive event experience. The team at Volkshaus offers full technical support for events, ensuring that all equipment needs are met. The in-house catering service is another highlight, offering a diverse range of culinary options, from elegant multi-course dinners to casual cocktail receptions. This focus on individuality, creativity, and quality makes every event held at Volkshaus a unique and memorable experience.
Kunstmuseum
The Kunstmuseum offers a distinctive setting for hosting a variety of events, combining world-class art with a unique ambiance. Located in the heart of the city, this renowned museum provides an inspiring backdrop for corporate gatherings and cultural events.
Here event organisers have the opportunity to hold their events amid one of Europe’s most prestigious art collections, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The venue’s spaces cater to a wide
range of events, from elegant receptions and gala dinners to intimate meetings and workshops. Each room is designed to accommodate different group sizes, ensuring a tailored experience that fits the occasion perfectly.
The museum offers versatile spaces including the atmospheric Museum Foyer, which can host up to 300 guests, ideal for larger events. For more intimate gatherings, the Rothko Room or Art Café offers a sophisticated yet cosy environment. Additionally, you can even arrange exclusive tours of the museum’s collection or temporary exhibitions, making the event even more engaging and memorable for your delegates.
The blend of contemporary and classical art combined with state-of-the-art facilities offers a truly unique venue for any occasion, turning events into cultural experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Kunstmuseumbasel.ch/en/visit/your-event
Pantheon
Located on the outskirts of the city in Muttenz, Pantheon combines a vintage car museum with an event space, making it one of Switzerland’s most distinctive venues. The Pantheon spans 7,500 sq. metres and is home to the country’s
largest vintage car centre. At the centre of the architecturally striking circular building is an event platform that offers 1,020 sq. metres of flexible space, perfect for fashion shows, trade fairs, weddings, or shareholder meetings.
Pantheon Basel offers two combinable seminar rooms that overlook the vintage car collection, providing a truly unique backdrop for meetings or training sessions. The venue’s glass roof ensures that all event spaces are bathed in natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment for guests. The venue’s in-house catering service, operated by Brüderli Gastronomie, guarantees a memorable dining experience for all delegates. The Pantheon’s blend of history, innovation, and style will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Westhive
Located in the Rosental area, Westhive is ideal for tech led events. The Main Stage
is the heart of the venue, offering seating for up to 80 people in a conference setting and up to 150 people for a cocktail reception. Westhive stands out for is its state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, which includes 4K projectors, laser screens, wireless microphones, and video conferencing technology.
Westhive’s adjoining restaurant and rooftop terrace provide additional spaces with tech-driven infrastructure and excellent culinary options.