Free-spirited, eccentric and unapologetically creative — these words describe artists like Marcel Duchamp and Francis Picabia, along with the entire 20th-century avant-garde Dada movement. Today, they also define the newly opened The Home Hotel Zürich.
In the mid-1910s, a group of artists in Zurich rebelled against the dominant logic, reason, and aesthetic norms of their time. Amid the chaos of World War I, they rejected tradition and embraced surreal, satirical creation. In 1916, Hugo Ball, a key figure in this movement, founded the satirical nightclub Cabaret Voltaire and the magazine Dada, which gave its name to the artistic movement. Today, the Dada spirit is being revitalised at The Home Hotel Zürich.
Nestled southwest of the city center, near the Wollishofen district, The Home Hotel Zürich is conveniently located just a 12-minute tram ride from Zurich’s central train station and a 30-minute train or drive from the airport. Housed in a beautifully renovated paper mill dating back to 1836 along the Sihl River, The Home Hotel Zürich embodies a sense of playfulness and whimsy. It serves as a vibrant hub for Zurich's contemporary creative scene and adventurous travelers alike. During the resurgence of the Dada movement in the 1990s and early 2000s, this paper mill evolved into a cultural center, hosting lively parties, art exhibitions, and live performances. Today, honoring its historic roots while embracing modernity, Erik Nissen Johansen of Stylt Trampoli has transformed part of the former factory into a Neo-Dada hotel.
The historic façade has gracefully preserved its charm for over a century, while the interior reveals original concrete columns that are artfully illuminated and adorned with lush greenery. These historical elements are enhanced by a palette of warm colours, rich textures and distinctive furnishings. Encircling some of the columns, the Home Bar & Lounge boasts glass-brick supports and a striking lava-stone bar top, complemented by a curated selection of ceramic and concrete tiles inspired by the façade.
The reception desk captivates with its blend of stone, wood, ceramic tiles, glass bricks and integrated greenery. Nearby, a carefully arranged cluster of low-rise sofas creates an inviting nook around a fireplace. Much like the Dadaists who deftly intertwined various artistic media, Johansen has artfully layered materials and employed bold colour combinations to craft a vibrant yet harmonious ambiance.
Designed to evoke joy and wonder, the property’s communal spaces and guest rooms showcase a warm, earthy colour palette enhanced by striking accent hues. In both the comfort rooms and junior suites, the building's historic window niches are elegantly adorned with warm walnut veneer, a choice that resonates beautifully with the wood flooring.
Elsewhere, custom Ogeborg carpeting blends seamlessly with old terrazzo floors. In some rooms, soft copper-coloured velvet upholstery adorns curved sofas. These design choices are enhanced by wallpapers from London Art that feature nuances and optical illusions, along with large ceramic tiles by Florim showcasing graphic patterns. Other details include Houtique wall lamps, Delius curtains, and textiles by Fabrics Casamance, Linwood, JAB and Elitis.
On the ground floor, LouLou French Grill & Raw Bar Zürich elegantly intertwines French culinary traditions with a tapestry of global flavours, placing a premium on locally sourced ingredients from France and Switzerland. This establishment serves as a chic gathering place for both locals and discerning visitors, hosting kitchen parties, guest chefs and cooking classes. Next to it, the elegant Home Bar & Lounge invites guests to enjoy a curated selection of classic cocktails, innovative drinks and fine wines.
The hotel attracts a discerning clientele of creatives, offering a refined array of options for intellectual engagement and dynamic movement. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, DJs turn the lobby into a vibrant hub of music, setting the perfect tone for the weekend. Comedians, musicians, and writers frequently drop by to host evenings brimming with laughter, music and readings, echoing the spirit of Hugo Ball’s original satirical nightclub. Hotel guests also have complimentary access to Desiknio e-bikes to discover Zurich on two wheels, as well as to a fully equipped coworking space one tram stop away, and to Fitnesspark Sihlcity — an exclusive gym and spa accessible directly from the hotel.
Whether traveling from distant realms or exploring the local neighborhood, The Home Hotel Zürich stands as an exquisite sanctuary for the Dadaists of the 21st century. This elegant sanctuary invites guests to immerse themselves in a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates the finest in artistry and design.
Follow Home Journal Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and subscribe to our Newsletter.
