As Zurich Art Weekend approaches, we stopped by Orlando Henry Werffeli's house, neighbouring the Kunsthaus Zurich, and asked him what he had planned for the weekend. Mats, Trunk's founder, first met him over 12 years ago on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, where he grew up.
Today, Orlando is the editor of the culture and lifestyle print publication Orlando. He co-founded and directed Lighthaus, an exhibition space in Zurich, and has curated 15 exhibitions featuring local and international artists. Alongside his work in the arts, he has built a successful career as an executive in the finance and technology industries.
His stepfather, Grant Chilcott, a well-known crooner and man about town, has been a huge influence on his style, which, depending on his mood, moves between classic cuts and fabrics, at times accented with traditional workwear inspired by the French Riviera and Northern Italy.
Zurich Art Weekend with Orlando Henry Werffeli
The City
Orlando's Zurich
For Zurich Art Weekend and beyond — the museums, restaurants, and bars he keeps coming back to.
Rietberg Museum
Switzerland's only art museum dedicated to non-European cultures, housing a world-renowned collection of works from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. A walk or picnic through the surrounding park, beneath the shade of Villa Wesendonck — a grand neoclassical structure from the same century — offers the perfect escapism for any fan of The Count of Monte Cristo.
rietberg.ch
Bootsvermietung Enge
Jump into some swim trunks and head down to Bootsvermietung Enge to rent the large pedalo. Bring good company, a few glasses, and a bottle of Höcklistein Räuschling — perhaps the best the Zürichsee has to offer.
bootsvermietungenge.ch
Villa Patumbah
A tour through Villa Patumbah reveals the possibilities of an "infinite budget" project: an eclectic display of Italian Renaissance, Rococo, Swiss Chalet, and Southeast Asian styles. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Swiss Heritage Society, though from 1911 to 1976 it was used as a home for the elderly — imagine that.
heimatschutzzentrum.ch
Wasserkirche
Wasserkirche sits atop one of the oldest building foundations in Zurich. Originally constructed in the 10th century as a Romanesque crypt-like structure — parts of which can still be visited today — the church was later rebuilt in the 15th century. The stained-glass windows were created by Augusto Giacometti just before the end of the Second World War. The perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
wasserkirche.ch
Wystube Isebähnli
Dinner at Wystube Isebähnli, which takes its name from a little railway, carries much the same atmosphere: a small, cosy setting filled with the energy and hospitality of owner Yücel Ersan. The set menu takes guests on a journey of flavours traversing the Orient Express, supported by an extensive list of fine wines and rare vintages.
isebaehnli.com
Da Capo Bar
For a late-night drink, head to Da Capo Bar at Zurich's Main Station, designed by the architect duo Trix and Robert Haussmann in 1980. Robert Haussmann also famously designed the Kronenhalle Bar in 1965.
sued-zuerich.ch
The Galleries
Orlando has mapped out two routes depending on your interests.
Route One
The established route — down Zurich's Rämistrasse, visiting some of the city's biggest names
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Route Two
A path into the future — through Wiedikon, visiting rising stars and new perspectives
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Thank you, Orlando!
Zurich Art Weekend takes place from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
More infomation can be found at https://zurichartweekend.com/