Zurich Kunsthaus offers Unexpected Holiday Gifts
Philipp Hildebrand, former head of teh Swiss National Bank and current chairman of the Kunsthaus Zurich, is known for his sharp financial acumen. But this holiday season, the Kunsthaus, under his leadership, is taking a decidedly unconventional approach to gift-giving.
In a recent email to Kunsthaus members, the institution offered a unique selection of holiday gifts, ranging from the traditional to the decidedly unexpected. The email, titled “Gift ideas for your heart,” began with a festive offer: “fondue party from CHF 35 / raclette party from CHF 49,” served in a cozy chalet on the Kunsthaus grounds. The email included the enticing offer: “You will receive a 10% discount upon presentation of your membership card.”
However, the real surprise came next. the email continued with the headline, “Longevity method for the face,” introducing “Energy drops, 100 ml” and “allergy relief drops, 100 ml,” both priced at 149 Swiss francs.
These products, the email explained, are a collaboration between performance artist Marina Abramović, currently featured in a major retrospective at the Kunsthaus, and Dr. Nonna Brenner. the email stated that the two “(i)n limited edition” launched a facial toner and three drinkable health drops.
Dr.Brenner, known for her alternative therapies, reportedly helped Abramović recover from a severe infection. The two have a long-standing relationship. The Kunsthaus’s description of the products highlights their purported benefits: to strengthen the immune system, provide “more energy,” and “help against allergic reactions.”
The email concluded by noting that these unique “drops” are “available exclusively in the Kunsthaus Shop.” This unusual foray into the wellness market raises questions about the Kunsthaus’s financial strategy, especially given previous scrutiny of its finances.
The Kunsthaus Zurich is selling limited-edition ”facial toner and three drinkable health drops” as part of its holiday gift offerings. [text:No link available] Thes products are a collaboration between Marina Abramović, who is currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Kunsthaus, and Dr. Nonna Brenner. [text:No link available]