The aim was primarily to organize exhibitions and support young, local artists through purchases.

Works in the museum art collection include Alberto Giacometti, Jean Tinguely, Richard Long, and Fischli/Weiss.

[3] The original building was built between 1956 and 1959 by local architects Loepfe Hänni and Hänngli.

[3] The architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron designed the new building.

[4] Since 1 July 2020, art historian Katharina Ammann has served as the director of Aargauer Kunsthaus.