Kunsthaus – Maskenball | 1932

Kunsthaus – Maskenball – Baur au Lac, 1932, by Otto Baumberger

This 1932 poster by Otto Baumberger promotes a masquerade ball at Zurich’s prestigious Baur au Lac hotel, organized by the Kunsthaus (art museum). The striking design features a large, stylized red mask with exaggerated, curved black lines accentuating its dramatic expression. The mask’s eye slits are left open, creating an eerie, hollow gaze, while a group of silhouetted black bats soars above, adding to the sense of mystery. The typography at the bottom is rendered in bold, metallic gold, contrasting against the pale background and reinforcing the poster’s elegant yet theatrical theme.

The Baur au Lac, established in 1844, has long been a centre of luxury and cultural life in Zurich. By the early 20th century, events such as the Kunsthaus masquerade ball were key social occasions, blending art, performance, and festivity. Masquerade balls had deep roots in European traditions, particularly in Venice, but in modern times, they became a way for artists and intellectuals to experiment with identity and self-expression. The Kunsthaus, Zurich’s premier art institution, played a major role in shaping the city's creative scene, and this event would have drawn a cultured, avant-garde crowd.

Otto Baumberger (1889–1961) was a pioneering Swiss graphic designer, known for his precise yet expressive poster art. A trained painter, he was instrumental in transforming Swiss posters from painterly compositions into modern graphic design, emphasizing bold shapes and clear messaging. He created over 200 posters, including advertisements for major brands and cultural institutions.