The museum, founded by gallery owners Hildy and Ernst Beyeler to showcase their collection of 20C paintings and sculptures, was designed by architect Renzo Piano in 1997. The exhibition displays nearly 200 masterpieces that give an overview of modern art. All the major movements are represented: post-Impressionism and Cubism (Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso), Abstract art (Kandinsky), Abstract Expressionism (Rothko, Newman). Pride of place is given to sculptures by Swiss artist Giacometti and Monet's Water Lilies.