Think you know what an art museum looks like? The Stadtmuseum Rapperswil-Jona will challenge all your assumptions about art and architecture, with its perfect blend of ancient and modern elements. Recently reopened, the main exhibition space is housed in a 15th century city palace and a 14th century tower. These have a façade of weathered brick and are surprisingly well-preserved, with much of the original structure left in place to preserve the historic townscape. However, what catches the eye is the glittering bronze building that connects the two ancient buildings. Hundreds of tiny holes punctuate its otherwise smooth surface in a seemingly haphazard manner. Seen from afar, this new building looks like an abstract cube that has been tilted on its side. Its name is Janus, especially fitting as it signals the museum’s gaze both towards the past and the future. The musuem’s interior is extremely modern, but its exhibitions focus on the local history of Rapperswil. Somehow, the museum manages to blend conflicting elements into a harmonious mix that will definitely elicit your admiration.