The Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland's most prominent art museums, has eliminated cash payments and now accepts only card transactions and digital payments through Twint, a Swiss mobile payment app. The publicly subsidized museum implemented the cashless policy in early September, with signs at the entrance informing visitors of the change.
The museum announced the transition on Facebook on August 4, stating that cashless payments would soon become the only option. The post generated mixed reactions from the public, with some visitors expressing frustration about the loss of payment flexibility. The Kunsthaus justified the decision by citing sustainability, user-friendliness, efficiency, and security concerns as primary motivations for the switch.
This move places the Zurich institution alongside numerous businesses and renowned international museums that have adopted cashless policies. Notable examples include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. In Switzerland, various businesses including restaurants, the Bernese public transport company BLS at their ticket machines, and airlines Swiss and Edelweiss have also eliminated cash transactions.
According to data from the Swiss National Bank, cash usage has declined dramatically in recent years. A 2022 study revealed that only about 36 percent of people paid their bills in cash, representing nearly a 50 percent decrease since 2017. Despite this trend, surveys indicate that between 65 and 95 percent of the population still wants the option to pay with cash, while the Swiss Payment Monitor found that only 16 percent of people could live completely without cash.
The declining use of physical currency has sparked concerns about privacy and financial freedom. The Freiheitliche Bewegung (Freedom Movement) attempted to launch a ballot initiative that would have required businesses to accept coins and banknotes, citing worries about surveillance, loss of freedom, and data privacy. However, the initiative failed to gather sufficient signatures to proceed.
A Kunsthaus spokesperson told the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper that the museum is aware of its responsibility as a subsidized institution and has ensured that payments can be made through various digital means. The decision was primarily driven by business and practical considerations, as cash transactions have become increasingly rare while requiring significant administrative effort from the museum. The spokesperson noted that while there have been occasional feedback and critical voices, the issue has barely been present in daily museum operations.
For visitors who prefer not to use cards or digital payment methods, an alternative remains available. The restaurant Bei Moundi, located at the Kunsthaus, continues to accept cash payments and also sells museum entrance tickets, providing a workaround for those who wish to maintain traditional payment methods while visiting the cultural institution.
